The history of the estate

Located on the edge of an ancient road leading to Bibracte, economic capital of the Eduens (Gaulish people of the 1st century BC), and through which many amphorae of Roman wine passed in transit, the Domaine de Colonat today perpetuates the Beaujolais region’s winegrowing tradition.

The history of the estate began in 1828, when Claud Collonge bought the present estate. Since then, the vineyard has been handed down from generation to generation, and today Thomas Collonge and his wife Julie, the 7th generation, are at the helm to perpetuate the family heritage.

The estate extends over 12 hectares of vines, spread over 7 appellations: Morgon, Moulin à Vent, Chiroubles, Brouilly, Regnie, Beaujolais-Villages red and white.

The heritage of a sacred land and nature

Located in the heart of the Beaujolais region, the family vineyard has been working for 200 years to exploit terroirs where Gamay grapes are at their best. The Colonat estate is divided between premier and grand terroirs, to produce Beaujolais crus and grands crus.

Each plot is cultivated with passion and know-how, with the aim of bringing out the full potential of these complex and diverse geological terroirs, and of the mythical Gamay grape variety. In this way, the terroir is fully expressed in the wines, and the Gamay can reveal its intense aromas.

Harvesting is carried out by hand over several long weeks, in order to select each bunch or berry at just the right moment. The estate team makes up to 3 passes per plot during the harvest.

Yields are deliberately kept low and planting density is reduced to 10,000 vines per hectare. The cultivated soils are very poor granitic soils marked by a shallow depth before the rock. These elements naturally limit the vigor of Gamay. The vines are also planted with grass, which creates competition and maintains a high level of biodiversity.

Photo : Domaine de Colonat