The “Les Mines” bottling from Domaine Bonnet-Cotton is a powerful and soulful expression of old-vine Gamay rooted deep in the iron-rich hillsides of Brouilly. Crafted by Pierre Cotton and Marine Bonnet, this cuvée captures the domaine’s signature blend of precision, vitality, and unadulterated fruit purity — a wine that speaks eloquently of place and patience.

Technical Notes

• Grape Variety: 100% Gamay
• Appellation: Brouilly AOC
• Vineyard: “Les Mines,” a lieu-dit in Brouilly named for its historic iron mines
• Vine Age: 50–70 years
• Soils: Sandy granite with streaks of iron oxide — lending both lift and mineral depth
• Farming: Certified organic, hand-harvested fruit, native cover crops maintained for soil health
• Vinification: Whole-cluster, semi-carbonic maceration in cement tanks with native yeasts; aged 10 months in large neutral oak foudres; bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal added sulfur
• Alcohol: ~13% ABV

Terroir
The Brouilly cru, at the southern edge of Beaujolais, is known for its granitic slopes and warm exposure — a terroir that brings both ripeness and freshness to Gamay. The “Les Mines” site sits on soils rich in decomposed pink granite and iron, which imbue the wine with a distinctive earthy, ferrous minerality and a savory backbone beneath the lush fruit. The balance of sun and breeze at this mid-slope vineyard yields grapes of perfect maturity and tension.

Tasting Notes
“Les Mines” 2023 shines with deep ruby color and lifted aromatics of black cherry, wild strawberry, crushed rose, and iron dust. On the palate, it’s succulent and structured, delivering layers of ripe red and dark berries, blood orange zest, and savory spice. The hallmark of this wine is its textural depth — fine tannins frame the juicy core, while the volcanic-mineral edge adds grip and complexity. The finish is long, stony, and mouthwatering.

This is serious Brouilly, full of life, muscle, and minerality. Domaine Bonnet-Cotton’s “Les Mines” 2023 balances the joy of Beaujolais fruit with the depth of a cru red Burgundy — a natural yet precise expression of Gamay that rewards both immediate enjoyment and short-term cellaring. Pair it with grilled duck, charred vegetables, or earthy lentil dishes for a perfect match.