Presentation of the Thomas Collardot estate

DISCOVER THE WINES OF DOMAINE THOMAS COLLARDOT

• Domaine Thomas Collardot: The essentials

- The origins of the family estate date back to the early 1900s.

- Domaine Thomas Collardot was founded in 2010

- The estate is located in Puligny-Montrachet

- Jacqueline is the 3rd generation of winegrowers in the family and her son Matthieu the 4th.  

- 2.5 hectares of vines spread over 12 appellations on Puligny-Montrachet terroirs only

• 2 white regional appellations
• 7 white village appellations
• 2 white 1er crus appellations
• 1 regional red appellation

- Yields are controlled to bring out the best in the terroir. Between 40 and 50 hectolitres per hectare for the villages and between 30 and 40 hectolitres per hectare for the 1er cru.

- Certified organic by Ecocert from the 2023 vintage. Also inspired by certain biodynamic practices

- Whole harvest for both whites and reds

- Aged in 350-litre oak barrels for 12 months, then in vats for 4 to 6 months.  Around 30% new barrels

• History of the Thomas Collardot estate

 Domaine Thomas Collardot is a confidential family estate of 2.5 hectares located in the emblematic village of Puligny-Montrachet, renowned for producing some of the most prestigious white wines in the world. The origins of the family estate date back to the early 1900s.

Currently at the head of the estate is Jacqueline, the 3rd generation of winegrower in the family, who took over the reins in 2010 after training at the CFPPA in Beaune. She made her first wine in 2015 before being quickly joined in 2018 by her son Matthieu Collardot. Both mother and son work in tandem, both in the vineyards and in the winery, to ensure that the family tradition lives on.

"Driven by a deep respect, like a relay that we pass on to each other, a flame that never goes out, I have a deep desire to return to my roots, to follow in the footsteps of my ancestors, to continue and make prosper what they built.

The vines that currently make up the estate were inherited from Henri Chavy on his mother's side and Maurice Thomas on his father's side. They were farmed by Pierre Thomas, Jacqueline's father, until 1992. They were then leased to his cousins Hubert and Philippe Chavy until 2010.

• The estate's philosophy

For Jacqueline and Matthieu, it is essential to highlight the terroir and the different climates that make up the Puligny-Montrachet appellation, not just for the 1er crus, but also for the village and regional appellations. The same attention is paid to each parcel of vines so that the Chardonnay grape brings out the terroir first and foremost.

"It is essential for us to reveal the unique character of each Climat by adopting a parcel-by-parcel approach and to work with respect for the soil and biodiversity"

It is therefore with the aim of revealing each climate that the domaine has adopted a parcel-by-parcel approach, and even a micro-parcel approach for certain appellations. This means that the estate does not simply blend all its parcels of Puligny-Montrachet villages together like most estates, but harvests and vinifies each one separately. That's why, at Domaine Thomas Collardot, you'll find not one Puligny-Montrachet village but seven!

"For us, a large part of the quality of our wines comes down to the plot itself."

It was only recently, after taking the time to understand each parcel of vines, that in 2019 the estate made its first attempt to blend a very limited quantity of some of the estate's Puligny-Montrachet wines under the name of "Les Climats" cuvée. The trial was a great success, with each parcel contributing its own particularity to produce a unique wine that sublimates the Puligny-Montrachet appellation.

For Jacqueline and Matthieu, both the parcel and the blend are legitimate, as each brings a different vision of the Puligny-Montrachet appellation. In 2022, the domaine has therefore decided to increase the production of 'Climats' so that it can coexist with the rest of the range.

In 2021, the estate has also decided to launch a trading business, offering an intermediate range of white Aligotés and Hautes-Côtes, but keeping exactly the same philosophy. The grapes are organic and vinified in the same way as the rest of the estate's wines.

• Vineyard management at Domaine Thomas Collardot

Soil management

Domaine Thomas Collardot wants to do as little as possible to the soil and avoids using heavy machinery to keep soil compaction to a minimum. The vines are grassed from winter to spring and then maintained by scratching with a caterpillar or a horse in order to keep soil compaction to a minimum.  Only 3 to 5 passes per year.  Ploughing is carried out at the end of the winter, followed by light surface scraping.

When the need arises, the estate applies plant cover to certain plots in winter to decompact the soil in a completely natural way.

Pruning the vines

Faced with global warming and the repeated droughts that have hit the region in recent years, Jacqueline and Matthieu are adapting their practices to protect the vines and grapes as best they can.

A pre-pruning is carried out at the beginning of January, and the final pruning is only carried out once there is a risk of spring frost.

Tailor-made trimming is carried out by hand to be as precise as possible after the first flowers have bloomed, at a height of around one metre and seventy centimetres. This allows the vines to be trained very high, providing as much shade as possible to protect the vines and grapes from the scorching summer sun.

Each plot is carefully monitored to ensure that the grapes are the best they can be. Disbudding is carried out only when necessary. The vines are pruned into either poulsard or guyot simple, depending on what suits each vine best.

Treatments

With the aim of respecting the living world as much as possible, the estate follows the specifications for organic certification. The aim is to use as few treatments as possible, in order to respect the flora and fauna that thrive in the vines. Treatments are carried out with a small caterpillar to limit soil compaction.

Certain biodynamic treatments are also applied according to the needs of the plant, such as 500 after the harvest, which helps the vine's roots to develop, or silica in the spring, which encourages the plant's development.

The estate prefers to carry out small, localised treatments and only treats when necessary. The proximity of the plots means that we are as close as possible to the vines and only apply treatments when necessary. Between 7 and 10 treatments per year. However, this approach requires a great deal of attention, as some of the climates in Puligny-Montrachet are renowned for their high oidium pressure.

• Method of vinification

For white wines

Global warming means that the grape harvest is coming earlier and earlier. Temperatures at the end of August and beginning of September are getting hotter every year, so harvesting has to take place in the morning to preserve the freshness and quality of the grapes.

Each plot is harvested by hand. The grapes are transported to the winery in small crates with holes in them to prevent them from overheating. They are then kept in a cold room for a minimum of 3 hours (the perforated crates make it easier to cool the bunches) before being transferred to the press, where they undergo a gentle pneumatic pressing process lasting 3.5 hours, which preserves the primary aromas and flavours. The musts are then settled for 24 hours in stainless steel tanks without the addition of sulphur.

Alcoholic fermentation takes place in 350-litre barrels, during which Jacqueline and Matthieu let the indigenous yeasts do their work.

"During alcoholic fermentation, each barrel is monitored on a daily basis, a bit like the newborns I nurse...

Temperature, mustimeter, I watch, I listen, I smell, I taste, I feel".

The Thomas Collardot estate favours barrels of 2, 3 or 4 wines, which gives the most faithful expression of the terroir. The oldest barrels are replaced every year by new barrels with medium and long toast.

No sulphur is added before the end of malolactic fermentation. The wine is matured on its fine lees for 10 to 12 months before being blended in stainless steel vats for 3 to 6 months.

A small amount of sulphur is added before bottling, just enough to ensure that the wine is well protected and ages well. The watchword is to keep SO2 to a minimum while protecting and guaranteeing the quality of the wine.

For red wines

The harvesting and vinification methods are very similar to those used for the whites.  There is no punching down at the beginning of the vatting period, only pumping over. A small amount of pumping over is done at the end of vatting when the stalks turn brown, in order to bring out a little of the substance, but without extracting too much.  A little sulphur is also added at the end of vatting.

DISCOVER THE WINES OF DOMAINE THOMAS COLLARDOT

• The vines of Domaine Thomas Collardot

 Côteaux Bourguignons "Le Pierrot

SOIL: Clay and limestone

CLIMATE: This cuvée was made in memory of Pierre Thomas.

PLOT: The Gamays are located in the area known as "La corvée aux moines", where 16a34 were planted in the 1950s. The Pinot Noirs are located in the "Les petits Poiriers" climat.

TASTING: A deep, intense garnet-red colour with ruby highlights. A fine, powerful nose of red fruit enhanced by delicate vegetal notes. Fresh and delicious on the palate, with candied fruit aromas enhanced by spicy notes.

Bourgogne Blanc "La plante des champs

SOIL: Clay and limestone

CLIMATE: This used to be a field, harvested every year. A young vine had been planted in the middle, when the name of this locality was created.

PLOT: 52a78 planted in 2016, the east/west facing plot is slightly undulating at an altitude of 220 metres, situated at the bottom of the village on the combe de déjection.

TASTING: A concentrated nose, a deep colour, this wine offers a generous palate of ripe fruit. A mineral finish brings balance to the whole. Jacqueline and Matthieu believe that this appellation reaches its peak after 5 years' ageing in the cellar, but this bottle can also be enjoyed easily in its early years.

Bourgogne Blanc "Les petits poiriers

SOIL: Clay and limestone

CLIMATE: Les Petits Poiriers. This climat name comes from the Old French word "perier", derived from "pierre", meaning stone, and refers to an old stone-paved road.

PLOT: A parcel of 34a16 facing North/South, 220 metres above sea level, planted in 1990, situated at the bottom of the village on the combe de déjection.

TASTING: Brilliant colour, aromatic nose with notes of white flowers. Round and delicious on the palate, with aromas of green pear enhanced by a touch of freshness. A lively, full-bodied wine with all the makings of a great wine. Jacqueline and Matthieu believe that this appellation reaches its peak after 5 years' ageing in the cellar, but this bottle can also be enjoyed easily in its early years.

Puligny-Montrachet "Les Houlières

SOIL: Clay and limestone

CLIMATE: This name comes from "houille", a Burgundian term for peat, a light, spongy material formed in marshes.

PLOT: 12a70 planted in 1986, situated at the bottom of the village on the edge of the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation at an altitude of 240 metres.

TASTING: Bright, golden colour. Fine, delicate nose with floral and citrus notes. Mineral and juicy on the palate. A light, lively and harmonious wine. Jacqueline and Matthieu believe that this appellation reaches its peak after 7 years' ageing in the cellar, but this bottle can also be enjoyed easily in its early years.

Puligny-Montrachet "Au Paupillot

SOIL: Clay and limestone

CLIMATE: The rich, pebbly soil of this climate, where the underground stream "La Lauche" flows, comes from the Latin "Populus", meaning poplar trees.

PLOT: 13a31 planted in 1974, situated at the bottom of a hillside on the outskirts of the village, facing east/west.

TASTING: Bright yellow colour. Fresh, fruity nose with mineral notes. On the palate, a lovely freshness supported by a subtle minerality, followed by the greed of a juicy flesh punctuated by a saline finish.  Jacqueline and Matthieu believe that this appellation reaches its peak after 7 years' ageing in the cellar, but this bottle can also be enjoyed easily in its early years.

Puligny-Montrachet "Derrière la velle

SOIL: Clay and limestone

CLIMATE: This name refers to the Gallo-Roman "villa" which was located very close to the plot.

PLOT: 10a83 planted in 1962, located at the bottom of the hillside on the outskirts of the village towards Meursault.

TASTING: Pure, brilliant colour with golden highlights. Expressive, elegant nose of white flowers with hints of honey. Opulent, intense palate of crunchy fruit. A concentrated wine sustained by a fine minerality. Jacqueline and Matthieu believe that this appellation reaches its peak after 7 years' ageing in the cellar, but this bottle can also be enjoyed easily in its early years.

Puligny-Montrachet "La rue aux vaches

SOIL: Clay and limestone

CLIMATE: Rich brown earth, dotted with small pebbles. In summer, the village cowherd would take the village cows to graze on the mountain, passing along the Rue aux Vaches, which runs alongside the parcel of the same name.

PARCEL: Located in the heart of the appellation, 19a73 planted in 1983. Facing East/West, it rises to an altitude of 230 metres.

TASTING: A light, fresh and racy nose. On the palate, ripe fruit with hints of mirabelle plum. The palate is full of tension, sublimated by a ripe fruit finish. Jacqueline and Matthieu believe that this appellation reaches its peak after 7 years' ageing in the cellar, but this bottle can also be enjoyed easily in its early years.

Puligny-Montrachet "Les Nosroyes

SOIL: Clay and limestone

CLIMATE: Situated below the 1ers Cru Perrières, "Les Nosroyes" and "Les Petites Nosroyes" are on a stony hillside and their name is a transcription of the Old French Noieroie "place planted with walnut trees". 

PARCEL: 27a30 planted in 1960, this East/West planted vineyard rises to an altitude of 240 metres.

TASTING: A pale yellow colour, with citrus fruit and vine peach aromas on the nose. On the palate, a fine acidity enhances the persistent citrus notes to give this wine extra length. Jacqueline and Matthieu believe that this appellation reaches its peak after 7 years' ageing in the cellar, but this bottle can also be enjoyed easily in its early years.

Puligny-Montrachet "Les Enseignères

SOIL: Clay and limestone

CLIMATE: In 1740, this climat was known as the Sensennières, i.e. the lands of the bishop of Sens, which was linked to the bishop of Autun, on which Puligny-Montrachet depended.

PARCEL: Two parcels of 6a50 planted in 1930 and 6a22 planted in 1988. At an altitude of 240 metres, they are ideally situated directly beneath the Bâtard and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet grands crus.

TASTING: Pure, brilliant colour with golden highlights. Expressive, mineral nose with aromas of white-fleshed fruit. On the palate, a chiselled attack is followed by a fine concentration and length, revealing a mentholated finish. Jacqueline and Matthieu believe that this appellation reaches its peak after 7 years' ageing in the cellar, but this bottle can also be enjoyed easily in its early years.

Puligny-Montrachet "Les Climats

SOIL: Clay and limestone

CLIMATE: Blend of the estate's Climats villages and premier crus

PLOT: Houlières, Derrière la Velle, Au Paupillot, Rue aux Vaches, Les Nosroyes, Les Enseignères, Hameau de Blagny, Les Folatières

TASTING: An expressive nose of fresh fruit. Rich and complex, the palate reveals citrus notes and a slight creaminess. The finish is persistent. Jacqueline and Matthieu believe that this appellation reaches its peak after 7 years of cellaring, but this bottle can also be enjoyed easily in its early years.

Puligny-Montrachet 1er cru "Hameau de Blagny

CLIMATE: The name of this climat refers to the houses in the hamlet. The Cistercian monks of Maizières, the fathers of Montrachet, cultivated vines here in the 12th century.

PARCEL: 18a42 planted in 1962. This parcel is located on the heights of the village of Puligny-Montrachet. Situated at an altitude of 350 metres, this hillside lies on deep, rich marl-limestone soil.

TASTING: Lovely bouquet of ripe, crunchy orchard fruit. Medium-bodied and elegant, with hazelnut, almond and wet stone flavours. A wine with a fine, mineral profile and a long, precise finish. Jacqueline and Matthieu believe that this appellation reaches its peak after 10 years of cellaring, but this bottle can also be enjoyed easily in its early years.

Puligny-Montrachet 1er cru "Les Folatières

SOIL: Clay and limestone

CLIMATE: The name of this climat comes from the old French Foletière "place haunted by follets", goblins dancing above stagnant water. Fol from the Latin Follis meant bellows for fire.

PARCEL: Situated in the locality known as "Au Chaniot", 14a planted in 1961 and 1962. Ideally nestled in the heart of the "Les Folatières" appellation.

TASTING: Intense colour with golden highlights. The nose reveals scents of lime blossom, almonds and white flowers. Round and smooth on the palate, revealing ripe fruit aromas accompanied by light honey notes. The finish is underpinned by a saline minerality. Jacqueline and Matthieu believe that this appellation reaches its peak after 10 years' ageing in the cellar, but this bottle can also be enjoyed easily in its early years.

Wines from the wine trade:

Bourgogne Aligoté

The grapes are sourced locally and organically, just a few kilometres from the village.

The Aligoté is matured in 350-litre barrels, which means that the wine is less marked by woody aromas, despite the fact that 50% of the barrels are new.

On tasting, the wine is taut, fresh and full-bodied.

Burgundy Hautes-Cotes de Beaune

The grapes are also sourced locally and organically, just a few kilometres from the village.

The wine is matured in 350-litre barrels, 30% of which are new.  On tasting, the wine is fresh, taut, well-balanced and full-bodied.

• A word about ageing wines

As the estate is new - the first bottling took place in 2017 - we don't have enough hindsight to make any predictions. But one thing is certain: given the terroir, the appellations and the quality of the work carried out by Jacqueline and Matthieu, you'll have no problem ageing your bottles of Domaine Thomas Collardot in your cellar. The 2017 Puligny-Montrachet village, after 6 years' ageing, still has a magnificent tension, and can be kept for a very long time.

However, even if these wines can be sublimated with time, the domaine has adapted to modern consumption and they can also be enjoyed young, from their first years.  But for the more patient among you, we still advise you to wait a little. Regional appellations should reach their peak after 5 years of ageing, 7 years for the villages and 10 years for the 1st growths.

This is just a basic principle; everything will depend on the style of each vintage and your wine conservation methods.

The entire w-vine.com team would like to thank the Thomas Collardot estate for their trust!

DISCOVER THE WINES OF DOMAINE THOMAS COLLARDOT