Domaine Patrice Colin Aromatic and Intriguing Wines from the Loire
Tucked away in the northwest corner of the Loire Valley, west of the Gallic town of Vendôme, lie 27 communes dotted along the southern banks of the Loir River that comprise the AOC Coteaux du Vendômois, 120 hectares of flinty, sandy soils bursting with the region’s “rare and ancient native variety” Pineau d’Anuis, plus Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Chardonnay.
The Coteaux du Vendômois is an area of convergences. The climate is a convergence of continental and oceanic influences that keep the appellation warm and dry. The Loir River, a tributary of the mighty Loire River, cuts through Vendôme and flows southwest, bisecting the Coteaux du Vendômois until it joins the Sarthe River in the bucolic “green” town of Angers. The Loir River moderates the temperature of the surrounding vineyards, and the valley keeps cold air out. The resulting terroir is one with low rainfall, limestone soils perfect for wine, and south facing vineyards that get an ideal amount of sunshine.
Despite its long winemaking history (dating back to the 10th century), the region only has 13 producers and one co-operative (The Coteaux du Vendômois Cooperative, 1929), and did not receive its AOC status until 2001. Its “hometown hero,” the moody and nearly extinct light-bodied red grape Pineau d’Anuis, is a spicy, high acid-low tannin, delectable treat, still relatively unknown in the international market, but a must try for adventurous wine drinkers looking for a distinctive gastronomic red that pairs with seafood and white meats.
The big kid on the Vendômois block is Domaine Colin, a 125-year-old winery whose 25 hectares of vineyards have been producing grapes since 1735. Eighth generation vigneron Patrice Colin is currently at the helm and runs the property with help from his son Pierre François and son-in-law Florian. Biodynamic farming and certified organic wine production define the Domaine’s contemporary dedication to producing world-class wines from their special little pocket of the Loire.
Domaine Colin’s holdings are some of the most prized in the Coteaux du Vendômois and their portfolio of wines, which runs the gamut of white, red, rosé, still, and sparkling, are a benchmark of style and longevity. With low sulfur and indigenous yeasts in the cellar, Domaine Colin’s light and crisp wines are “fresh, clean, and aromatically complex.” K&L has been proud to direct import Patrice’s wines since 2019, and the new releases have just arrived!
2023 Patrice Colin "Pierre a Feu" Coteaux du Vendômois Blanc $16.99 100% Chenin Blanc from 25-year-old vines grown in flint soils. Fermented in stainless steel vats and barrels. Aromas of white flowers, high toned lemon-lime, smoke, and baked apples. Generous, ripe, and clean fruit. Fresh acidity. On the palate, tart, creamy but not overly rich. Tropical notes of coconut and pineapple. Pair with fish, shellfish, and cheese.
2024 Domaine Patrice Colin Coteaux du Vendômois Gris Rosé $14.99 100% Pineau d’Anuis. “Gris” means “grey,” and in this context describes a wine made from the red Pineau d’Anuis grape vinified white. 15–20-year-old vines grown in clay with flint. Fermented in stainless steel tanks for 2 months. Floral nose with notes of ripe cherry, strawberry, citrus, On the palate, spice, red berries, pepper, earth, and wet stone minerality. Pair with lamb, poultry, rich fish, and cured meat.
2023 Patrice Colin "Pierre François" Coteaux du Vendômois Rouge $14.99 75% Pineau d’Aunis, 20% Pinot Noir, 5% Gamay. The ultimate juicy chillable red. 25-year-old vines grown in flint and limestone soils. Macerated and fermented in stainless steel vats for 3 weeks. Aged in wood vats for 6 months. Aromas of red fruits, flowers, orange peel, stone fruit, and spices. Spicy on the palate, with notes of cinnamon, peppercorn, coffee bean, chocolate, olive tapenade, and herbs. Pair with cold meat or anything grilled.
- Philip Roufail, K&L Culver City