Simon Colin

History of Domaine Simon Colin

The Colin name is inseparable from Chassagne-Montrachet, where several branches of the family have established renowned estates. Simon Colin belongs to the lineage of Domaine Colin-Deléger, founded by his grandfather Michel. Before returning to the village, he gained extensive experience in France and abroad, particularly in South Africa and Oregon, then spent four years at Domaine Étienne Sauzet in Puligny-Montrachet, where he became familiar with organic and biodynamic approaches.

In 2017, he launched a small négociant venture, which he himself describes as his “laboratory,” to make small-production cuvées and refine his vision of wine. Four years later, his father Philippe passed on a large share of his vines, and Simon produced his first estate vintage in 2021. With remarkable plots and a winemaking talent recognized from the outset, the estate now produces around 55,000 bottles a year and has quickly become one of Burgundy’s names to watch.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Simon Colin

The vineyard covers approximately 9.30 hectares across four Côte de Beaune villages: Chassagne-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin, Santenay and Maranges. Most plots lie on clay-limestone soils facing east, southeast or south, giving the wines richness, tension and minerality. The estate has an impressive collection of Premiers Crus in Chassagne-Montrachet, including Les Vergers, Les Chaumées, Les Chenevottes, La Maltroie and Morgeot, as well as Premiers Crus in Saint-Aubin, Santenay and Maranges.

The estate’s old vines are particularly precious: some Chassagne-Montrachet plots were planted in the 1950s, and several Pinot Noir plots in Santenay and Maranges date from the 1960s. Simon Colin tends his vineyard with a thoughtful approach inspired by organic and biodynamic farming, seeking to preserve soil life and the expression of each climat.

Winemaking at Domaine Simon Colin

In the cellar, Simon Colin seeks above all to bring out the identity of each plot while intervening as little as possible. The grapes are harvested by hand, and each climat is vinified separately. The whites are gently pressed, then fermented and aged in oak barrels, with a clear preference for used barrels so that oak never masks the terroir; the proportion of new oak remains limited even for the Premiers Crus. The reds are vinified gently to preserve the finesse of Pinot Noir. The result is a range of precise, vibrant wines of great purity, with the ability to age well.

The cuvées of Domaine Simon Colin

Bourgogne Aligoté: sourced from a plot planted in 1988, this fresh, taut Aligoté offers aromas of white fruit and citrus with a touch of roundness. Ideal as an aperitif.

Bourgogne Chardonnay: a blend of several clay-limestone plots, this generous Bourgogne combines fruit, flowers and a toasted touch, followed by a mineral, lemony finish that is surprising for a regional appellation.

White Maranges: Chardonnay planted in 1996 on a south-facing plot, combining roundness, yellow fruit and saline freshness. A wonderful discovery at an affordable price.

White Chassagne-Montrachet: made from numerous plots, some planted in 1950, this village wine offers breadth, notes of hazelnut and citrus, and appealing chalky tension.

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Le Charmois: east-facing, this Premier Cru stands out for its vibrancy, notes of flint and lemon, and remarkable precision.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Maltroie: made from vines planted in 1983, this white wine from the heart of the village combines richness, yellow fruit and impressive depth.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes: neighboring Montrachet, this south-facing climat produces an elegant, floral wine with a silky texture and saline finish.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers: three gently sloping plots totaling about 0.65 hectares yield a rich, creamy white wine with notes of ripe pear, exotic fruit and fresh butter, balanced by lively acidity.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées: a blend of young vines and a small amount of old vines from Clos Saint Abdon, this finely etched Premier Cru expresses citrus zest, crushed stone and toasted hazelnut.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées “Clos Saint Abdon”: sourced from the estate’s largest enclosed vineyard, with vines dating back to the 1970s. More concentrated and profound, it ranks among the estate’s finest achievements.

Red Chassagne-Montrachet: a fruity, silky Pinot Noir from old vines planted as early as 1953, with notes of cherry and spice.

Red Santenay: vines planted in 1959 and 1973 produce a fleshy, generous Santenay with aromas of black fruit and forest floor.

Maranges 1er Cru La Fussière: planted in the 1960s, this renowned Premier Cru produces a structured red with fine tannins and crisp fruit.

Santenay 1er Cru Les Gravières: planted in 2005 on an east- and south-facing hillside, it is elegant and floral, with an easy-drinking character and beautifully fine tannins.

Red Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot “Les Brussonnes”: a plot planted in 1971 at the lower end of the appellation, near Santenay. A deep, distinctive Pinot Noir with notes of black fruit and spice, built to age.