Meet Pierre Cotton & Marine Bonnet
Over the past 5 years Pierre has slowly taken over the family domain in Odenas “Sanvers & Cotton” located in the heart of the Côte de Brouilly in Beaujolais. Before his return, Pierre spent two years studying and interning with some of the greatest natural growers in the Loire Valley.
Furthermore, he shares a deep friendship with some of the regions brightest minds including Yvon Métras who has been a great mentor in the early years (and still today) for Pierre. In 2014, he reclaimed 1 hectare of Côte de Brouilly for his first cuvée - 100% Cotton. “It was kind of a test to see how the market will react to it” says Pierre.
Every year from that date Pierre reclaimed more hectares and bought other plots. As of now, Pierre is looking after 10ha of vineyards - mainly Brouilly & Côte de Brouilly - but also has a plot of Regnié, Fleurie and now also 0,3ha of Chardonnay.
Pierre's yields are quite low for the Beaujolais region on average 25hl/ha. Gamay are whole bunch macerated in concrete tanks and then aged in large oak foudres for 8 to 10 months. There is very low or no additions of Sulphur at bottling.
Despite being still at a tender age, Pierre has achieved an international recognition few of his colleagues have been able to reach. His approach is very much led by the traditions of the family's legacy, without losing a sense of experimentation.
Since the 2020 vintage Pierre has been joined by his partner Marine Bonnet to lead the domaine and work alongside. Next to their regular ‘Bonnet Cotton’ range we have also received a small amount of Marine’s first solo project - 100% Gamay from the famed Beaujolais Crus Moulin-A- Vent which we can’t wait to share with you.
