The Domaine Simon Colin represents a dynamic chapter in the historical lineage of the Colin family, solidly established in the Côte de Beaune. Simon Colin embodies the third generation of winemakers, having officially taken over the family plots in 2021. The estate, headquartered in Chassagne-Montrachet, spans a significant area of 9.30 hectares. This operation is strategically distributed across fundamental appellations such as Saint-Aubin, Chassagne-Montrachet, Santenay, Maranges, and Rully.
Simon Colin's establishment in his father’s modern winery, in close proximity to influential figures like Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey (PYCM), Niellon, and the Pillot family, signals a clear commitment to quality. This geographical and professional position immediately places the domaine in the wake of the contemporary Burgundian elite, which prioritizes purity of fruit, tension, and the mineral expression of the terroir.
The estate's grape varieties are dominated by Chardonnay, with approximately 70% of production dedicated to white wines, and 30% devoted to Pinot Noir. Among the notable plots are the Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Charmois, characterized by its very limestone terroir and cooler eastern exposure, as well as the Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumées, known for its extremely chalky soils located high on the commune's northern slope. The estate also cultivates Santenay 1er Cru Les Gravières and Maranges 1er Cru La Fussière.
In terms of viticulture, the approach focuses on sustainability and precision. The domaine is undergoing organic conversion, with a first certification expected in 2024, while also drawing inspiration from biodynamic practices. Yields are rigorously controlled to ensure optimal concentration. The red Chassagne-Montrachet, for example, comes from old vines over 60 years old, guaranteeing intrinsically high quality.
Winemaking at Simon Colin is designed to enhance the expression of the terroir through minimal intervention in the cellar. Simon Colin favors used barrels, seeking to highlight the identity of the individual plots. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place in barrels using indigenous yeasts.
For the white wines, aging extends for about 12 months in barrels, followed by a refinement of 3 to 4 months in tank. The percentage of new oak is moderate, maintained between 20% and 25%. This approach aims to give the white wines their reputation for great purity.
Regarding the Pinot Noir, the winemaker seeks an infused style. He retains between 30% and 50% of whole clusters, limiting pigeage (punching down) and remontage (pumping over) to avoid the over-extraction of tannins. The aging of the reds uses a slightly higher percentage of new oak than the whites, between 25% and 33%. This slight increase in new wood is essential to stabilize the color and round out the tannic structure inherent in using a high proportion of whole clusters, allowing the reds to express elegant finesse.
The estate's style is illustrated by vibrancy and tension. The Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Charmois, thanks to its calcareous and cold terroir, is described as "chiseled and lively" on the palate, displaying beautiful notes of citrus and green apple. Similarly, minerality is the signature of the Premiers Crus of Chassagne-Montrachet.
Domaine Simon Colin is thus establishing itself as a rising reference, combining heritage, sustainable cultivation, and technical precision.