Rene Lequin Colin, Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru AOC
1997, Bourgogne, France
Classification Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru AOC
Colour / Type White
Bottle size 75cl
Alcohol 14%
Grape Chardonnay
Average score 84
Fran ois Lequin family have been vignerons in Santenay since 1673. The upshot is the 11-hectare inheritance Fran ois Lequin now holds in his hands: a carefully constructed collection of parcels divided between Santenay and Chassagne-Montrachet, with additional holdings in Pommard and Nuits-St.-Georges. Since 2014, Fran ois has also been involved in Domaine des Crets, where he and a partner bring a Cote d Or sensibility to 4 hectares of vines in the northern Maconnais. Over the past century, Santenay has gone from being a stronghold for pinot noir to a carve-out for chardonnay. Now I would say it s 15-20% white, especially in the parcels close to the village itself. The grapes for all crus are harvested by hand and pick time is determined by acidity level, not sugar. For the chardonnay, he uses a pneumatic press, but presses very slowly, between three and a half and four hours per press. He then lets the juice go-to-brown to oxidize all the unstable, oxidative components, then lets it settle for a full year before racking. On average, the goal is to have only 10% new oak for the alcoholic and malolactic fermentation for the chardonnay. Prior to malolactic, light battonage is done and after malolactic, the chardonnay is left on the full lees until just before harvest; the wines are bottled in December. Fran ois goal is to use as little SO2 as possible while assuring the wine is clean and stable. For pinot noir, when the grapes come in, a determination is made as to how much the whole cluster will be included.
About Rene Lequin Colin
Rene Lequin Colin is a historic family-run wine estate located in Santenay, in the southern part of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. The family’s winemaking roots trace back to 1679, making them one of the oldest wine-producing families in the region. Today, the estate is managed by Rene Lequin and his son François Lequin, who together oversee all aspects of viticulture and winemaking, ensuring that traditional methods are honored while embracing select modern techniques for quality improvement.
The domaine covers approximately 9 hectares of vineyards, stretching across some of Burgundy’s most esteemed appellations, including Santenay, Chassagne-Montrachet, Pommard, and Corton. The family’s plots are planted predominantly with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, reflecting the classic varietals of Burgundy. Their holdings include prized parcels in the Santenay Premier Cru “Les Gravières,” Chassagne-Montrachet “Les Vergers,” and Corton “Les Languettes,” among others. The diversity of terroirs allows the domaine to produce wines that express the unique character of each site.
Rene Lequin Colin is committed to sustainable and environmentally respectful viticulture. The estate follows organic practices and has been certified organic since 2009. The vineyards are cultivated without synthetic chemicals, and the soils are plowed to encourage biodiversity and vine health. The family believes that healthy, living soils are essential for producing wines of depth and authenticity. Harvesting is done by hand to ensure that only the best grapes are selected for vinification.
In the cellar, the approach is minimalist, aiming to let the terroir speak through the wine. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, and intervention is kept to a minimum. The wines are aged in French oak barrels, with a restrained use of new oak to preserve the purity of fruit and the nuances of each vineyard site. The result is a collection of wines that are elegant, balanced, and marked by a clear sense of place. The whites are known for their minerality and finesse, while the reds display vibrant fruit, supple tannins, and a refined structure.
François Lequin, who represents the current generation, has brought renewed energy and vision to the domaine. He has introduced precision in vineyard management and winemaking, further elevating the quality of the wines. His philosophy is rooted in respect for tradition, but he is not afraid to innovate where it enhances the expression of the terroir. Under his guidance, the estate’s wines have gained increasing recognition among Burgundy enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Rene Lequin Colin’s wines are sought after for their authenticity and their ability to age gracefully. The domaine’s philosophy centers on expressing the unique character of each parcel, resulting in a portfolio that showcases the diversity and complexity of Burgundy. With a deep respect for nature, a commitment to quality, and centuries of family heritage, Rene Lequin Colin continues to craft wines that are a true reflection of their origin and the dedication of the people behind them.