Chassagne-Montrachet 'Hereditas' 2023, Domaine Joseph Colin

A monumental tribute to old-vine heritage. The cuvée Chassagne-Montrachet 'Hereditas' 2023 stands as a crown jewel in Joseph Colin’s lineup. The name 'Hereditas' — Latin for inheritance or heritage — directly references the impressive 70+ year old Chardonnay vines that form the foundation of this extraordinary white Burgundy. As the son of Marc Colin, Joseph blends traditional mastery with a contemporary philosophy centered on purity, terroir depth, and mineral precision.

In the glass, it reveals a bright, deep golden-yellow color with a luminous shine. The nose is rich, layered, and complex, unfolding aromas of ripe white peach, yellow orchard apple, citrus zest, acacia blossom, and toasted hazelnut, anchored by a cool, crushed-flint minerality. On the palate, it seamlessly unites the classic weight and power of Chassagne with laser-sharp, crystalline tension. Because Joseph transfers the juice directly to barrel without cold settling (débourbage) and strictly avoids bâtonnage, the wine maintains incredible focus, energy, and a breathtakingly long, saline finish.

Key Highlights

• Terroir: 100% Chardonnay sourced from 70+ year old vines across 3 prime lieux-dits directly bordering the Grand Cru Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet: Les Meix Goudard, Blanchot Dessous, and En Journoblot, rooted in rich clay-limestone soils.
• Winemaking & Ageing: No cold settling (débourbage) post-pressing to retain natural protective antioxidants. Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, zero bâtonnage, and aged in oak barrels (2/3 in larger 500L casks, 1/3 in traditional 228L pièces with 15-20% new oak). Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
• Sustainability: Pragmatically organic viticulture honoring ancient vine health and minimal cellar intervention. Minimal total sulfur applied strictly at bottling (approx. 25–30 mg/l).
• Tasting Profile: Rich, powerful, mineral-driven, and pristine. Notes of ripe white peach, citrus, acacia, toasted hazelnut, flint, and a long saline finish.
• Ageing Potential: Highly impressive and concentrated now due to old-vine density, possessing the structural frame to cellar gracefully over 8 to 12 years.

Food Pairing

• Fish & Shellfish: A majestic pairing alongside seared sea scallops, grilled lobster with lemon butter, poached turbot, and salt-crusted sea bass.
• Poultry & Veal: Excellent match for roasted Bresse chicken with morels, veal medallions in light cream sauce, or truffle-infused veal chops.
• Fine Dining & Cheese: Wonderful with wild mushroom risotto, as well as mature cheeses like Epoisses, Brillat-Savarin, Chaource, and aged Comté.
• Serving Suggestion: Best served chilled at 10°C to 12°C in generous Burgundy crystal glasses to allow its old-vine texture and aromatics to unfold.

The Terroir of Hereditas (Bordering Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet)

The parcels Les Meix Goudard, Blanchot Dessous, and En Journoblot sit on the border of Chassagne-Montrachet, directly adjacent to the world-famous Grand Cru Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet. The deep clay-limestone subsoils combined with naturally low yields from 70+ year old vines endow the Chardonnay grapes with remarkable concentration, layered depth, and persistent mineral drive.

About Domaine Joseph Colin

Joseph Colin learned his craft among the vines of Saint-Aubin, directing winemaking at Domaine Marc Colin from 2003 through 2016. Launching his independent domain in 2016, his estate now spans 6.3 hectares across 40 micro-parcels. Driven by a low-intervention ethos — direct barrel transfer post-press without settling, zero bâtonnage, and minimal sulfur — Joseph crafts pure, precise terroir wines that represent the pinnacle of modern white Burgundy.