Domaine de Colonat
Old vines, granite hillsides and seven generations of family history sit at the heart of Domaine de Colonat in Beaujolais. Based in Villié-Morgon, the Collonge family has tended this corner of Beaujolais since 1828. Today, Julie and Thomas bring fresh energy to that inheritance, making wines with depth, finesse and a strong sense of place.
Thomas honed his craft in Burgundy, the Rhône and Australia before returning home in 2008. Together with Julie, he brings that wider perspective to an intimate knowledge of the family’s vineyards, letting the character of each site guide the wines.
The estate’s great treasure is its old vines, averaging around 65 years for the reds. Their deep roots draw on the soils beneath them, while small, concentrated grapes bring richness to the wines. From Morgon to Moulin-à-Vent to Fleurie to Chiroubles to Brouilly and more, each cuvée offers a different expression of Gamay.
Behind that richness lies a meticulous approach. Harvest dates are carefully chosen to capture ripeness and freshness together, and every bunch is picked by hand before passing through three rounds of selection. Gentle extraction and concrete-ageing brings out fine, silky tannins, giving the fruit room to shine.
Thomas and Julie have picked up some huge accolades in recent years, including Best In Show Trophies at the Decanter Wine Awards, and the remarkable achievement of World's Best Gamay at the International Gamay Competition!
The Gamays are immediately charming, but with the depth and structure to reward a little patience in the cellar. These are gorgeous, modern Beaujolais wines that we cannot recommend highly enough.
