At a glance

Producer

François Cotat

Region

Sancerre, Loire Valley, France

Grape variety

Sauvignon Blanc

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$70-$90 USD

Tasting profile

Intense citrus, lime and green apple aromas with flinty minerality and subtle herbal notes on the nose; palate is fresh, zesty, and pure with chalky texture and persistent finish.

Evolution: Over the next 3-5 years will develop greater complexity with layered mineral and wet stone notes while preserving crisp acidity.

At peak: A multi-dimensional expression of terroir-driven purity with vibrant freshness and depth of flavor.

Structure

Acidity

High, crisp and racy acidity typical of top Sancerre

Tannins

None (white wine, no tannic structure)

Alcohol

Approx. 13.0-13.5%

Aging potential

10+ years with ideal cellar conditions due to high acidity and concentration

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2043

Optimal window

2022 to 2046

Current status

Approaching optimal drinking window

Current condition

The wine is showing excellent freshness with developing minerality and complexity, drinking well now with several years ahead for continued evolution.

The combination of a warm 2018 vintage and François Cotat’s precise vineyard selection on La Grande Côte delivers concentrated fruit balanced by high acidity. The wine’s structure supports aging for at least a decade, enabling the mineral and complex secondary notes to blossom fully between 2024 and 2028.

Food pairing

Pair beautifully with fresh seafood (oysters, scallops), goat cheese, light poultry dishes, and salads with citrus dressings. Also excellent with sushi and delicate Asian cuisine.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

François Cotat employs organic viticulture with minimal intervention, manual harvesting, and uses cover crops to promote soil health and biodiversity. Energy-efficient cellar equipment and recycled packaging materials are standard practices.

François Cotat’s commitment to organic farming and biodynamic-friendly practices, combined with careful energy and resource management, results in a highly sustainable operation. While international distribution adds to carbon load, the minimal chemical inputs and eco-friendly packaging contribute positively to lowering environmental impact.