Les Cortis

COUNTRY: France

REGION: Bugey

Founded in 2016 by Isabelle and Jérémy Decoster Coiffier, Domaine Les Cortis epitomizes their passion for natural winemaking in the Bugey region of the French Alps. Set 500 meters above sea level near Belley, the estate spans 6 hectares of clay-limestone soils, cultivated by hand according to biodynamic and organic principles.

Jérémy's experience with top natural winemakers such as Agnes and Olivier De Moor and Lilian Duplessis is evident in the wines of Les Cortis. Embracing co-plantation, the vineyards flourish with a diversity of grape varieties including Mondeuse, Chardonnay, Gamay, Altesse, Pinot Noir, Corbeau, and Chasselas. Divided into five distinct parcels, each plot reflects the unique terroir of Bugey, resulting in vibrant and balanced grapes expressive of each vintage.

Les Cortis adheres to minimal intervention winemaking practices, favoring natural fermentations and whole-cluster macerations. Aging in vats on fine lees enhances the wines' purity and complexity, with minimal sulfur used only when necessary at bottling. This approach ensures that their wines reflect the Alpine terroir and the dedication of Isabelle and Jérémy to sustainable viticulture.

CUVÉES

“Teraxe”

Region: Bugey
Grape: 90% Roussette, 10% Chardonnay
Soil: clay, limestone
Farming: biodynamic practices
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: direct press
Aging: 10 months in neutral barrel on fine lees
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: minimal at racking

“Brisure”

Region: Bugey
Grape: 50% Altesse, 50% Gamay Teinturier (red-fleshed Gamay)
Soil: clay, limestone
Farming: biodynamic practices
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: direct press, a blend of 2021 and 2022.
Aging: in demi-muids
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: minimal at racking

“Obuscule”

Region: Bugey
Grape: 66% Gamay, 34% Chardonnay from the same plot
Soil: clay (Gamay), limestone (Chardonnay)
Farming: biodynamic practices
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: whole bunch, 2 week maceration
Aging: in tank
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: minimal at racking

“Naxide”

Region: Bugey
Grape: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Altesse
Soil: limestone, sand
Farming: biodynamic practices
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: direct press
Aging: Chardonnay in fiberglass, Altesse in barrels both for 10 months
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: minimal at racking

“Gastine”

Region: Bugey
Grape: Gamay, Chardonnay, Corbeau, Mondeuse, Altesse, Pinot Noir, Chasselas (field blend)
Soil: clay, limestone
Farming: biodynamic practices
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: co-fermented rosé
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: minimal at racking

“Uzee”

Region: Bugey
Grape: 70% Gamay, 30% Mondeuse
Soil: clay
Farming: biodynamic practices
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: whole bunch, 2 weeks maceration
Aging: 10 months in demi-muids
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: minimal at racking

“Merune”

Region: Bugey
Grape: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Altesse
Soil: sand
Farming: biodynamic practices
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: direct press
Aging: both grapes in fiberglass tank 9 months
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: minimal at racking

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