Bourgogne Blanc 'Les Hauts de la Combe' 2021, Domaine Joseph Colin

A distinguished entry into the world of pure, modern white Burgundy. The 'Les Hauts de la Combe' cuvée originates from a renowned lieu-dit near Saint-Aubin, illustrating the remarkable craftsmanship of Joseph Colin. Son of Marc Colin, Joseph combines rich family heritage with a contemporary philosophy focused on absolute purity and mineral precision.

In the glass, the wine shows a bright golden hue with vibrant clarity. The bouquet opens with fresh citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit, accompanied by ripe white peach, honeysuckle, and a distinct chalky minerality. On the palate, it is crisp, energetic, and mineral-driven. The cool 2021 vintage confers exceptional tension and lively acidity, perfectly harmonized by a silky texture derived from natural ageing on fine lees.

Key Highlights

• Terroir: 100% Chardonnay sourced from 'Les Hauts de la Combe', a single lieu-dit near Saint-Aubin with limestone-rich clay soils.
• Winemaking & Ageing: No juice settling post-pressing to preserve natural antioxidants. Spontaneous fermentation, no bâtonnage (lees stirring) to maintain freshness, and ageing in mostly neutral oak (15–20% new oak).
• Sustainability: Pragmatic organic viticulture emphasizing soil vitality and minimal intervention. Minimal sulfite addition (approx. 25–30 mg/L applied at bottling).
• Tasting Profile: Crisp, mineral, and vibrant. Notes of lime, citrus, white peach, white blossoms, and a focused saline finish.
• Ageing Potential: Exceptionally refreshing now, with the structure to cellar gracefully over 3 to 5 years.

Food Pairing

• Seafood & Shellfish: Outstanding alongside fresh oysters, grilled langoustines, and steamed mussels.
• Fish: Excellent match for steamed or pan-seared cod with a light citrus reduction.
• Light Dishes: Ideal with summer salads featuring goat cheese or roasted spring vegetables.
• Poultry: Pairs beautifully with delicate chicken or turkey dishes served with a light cream sauce.
• Serving Suggestion: Best served chilled between 10°C and 12°C in generous crystal glasses.

The Terroir of Les Hauts de la Combe

The lieu-dit 'Les Hauts de la Combe' is situated just below the rolling slopes of Saint-Aubin. Its limestone-dominant clay soil imparts natural mineral vitality and crisp acidity to the Chardonnay vines, resulting in a Bourgogne Blanc that rivals the depth of many village-level appellations.

About Domaine Joseph Colin

Having grown up among the vines of Saint-Aubin, Joseph Colin spent years managing the cellars at his family's famed Domaine Marc Colin before establishing his own estate in 2016. Today, he farms 6.3 hectares divided into 40 small parcels. Through his uncompromising technique — barreling without prior settling, omitting lees stirring, and employing subtle oak integration — Joseph produces pristine, transparent terroir wines that set the benchmark for modern white Burgundy.