Domaine Fréres Cotat gained a worldwide reputation for its idiosyncratic, complex and ageworthy Sancerres made by brothers Paul and Francis Cotat. François Cotat is Paul‘s son. Having inherited 3 hectares of vines, he continues to operate in the family tradition producing characterful Sancerres of great texture and power.

The Domaine‘s style of Sancerre owes much to its propitiously sited vineyards in the commune of Chavignol on Kimmeridgian clay and Caillotte. François‘ holdings in the vineyards of Les Monts Damnés, Le Cul de Beaujeu and La Grande Côte span the steepest slopes of the appellation. Cultivation is arduous and must be done entirely by hand.

François‘ grapes are late-picked for maximum flavour and, at times, the wines have had to be declassified to “simple” Vin de Table status due to a higher level of residual sugar or alcohol than the appellation‘s rules permit or simply because the local committee find them too atypical.

In the winery, François adopts a very traditional, non-interventionist approach. The grapes are barrel-fermented in old demi-muids using natural yeasts.

François uses organic fertilisers and racks according to the phases of the moon.

The wines develop with age and, in the best vintages, can be cellared for more than fifty years.