A Rising Star in Beaujolais Terroir Wines

Domaine Bonnet-Cotton: A Rising Star in Beaujolais Terroir Wines

Nestled in the rolling hills of the northern Beaujolais crus, Domaine Bonnet-Cotton is a name that has quickly captured the attention of natural wine lovers and traditionalists alike. Led by the talented duo of Pierre Cotton and his father, Jean, this family-run estate crafts vibrant, soulful wines that respect the land, the grape, and the unique identity of each plot. While still relatively young, the domaine is already recognized for its authenticity, detail, and expressive Gamays.

A Generational Transition with a Fresh Vision

The story of Bonnet-Cotton is one of evolution rather than revolution. Located in the commune of Odenas, in the Côte de Brouilly appellation, the estate has been in the Cotton family since the mid-19th century. For decades, Jean Cotton farmed the land and sold grapes to the local cooperative. That all began to change when his son, Pierre, returned to the estate in 2014 after studying enology and working at Domaine Renardat-Fache in Bugey and with friends in the Loire Valley.

Pierre’s return brought fresh energy, curiosity, and a desire to vinify independently. By 2014, the family had begun bottling under their own label. The domaine officially adopted the name Bonnet-Cotton—honoring both Pierre’s mother (Bonnet) and father (Cotton)—and set out to produce wines that express the depth and diversity of their vineyards with minimal intervention and maximum character.

Terroir-Driven Cru Beaujolais: Côte de Brouilly and Beyond

Bonnet-Cotton’s vineyards span just under seven hectares, but within that modest footprint lies a patchwork of expressive terroirs. Their home base is on the slopes of Mont Brouilly, where blue volcanic rock, known as diorite, creates structured, mineral-driven wines. The domaine’s Côte de Brouilly cuvées showcase a refined tension and floral lift that typify this lesser-known but compelling cru.

In addition to Côte de Brouilly, the family also farms parcels in Brouilly, Régnié, and Beaujolais-Villages. Each wine is made to reflect its origin—without blending or homogenizing. This terroir-driven approach means that the range at Bonnet-Cotton can feel more like a set of portraits than a single style. From the juicy immediacy of their Beaujolais-Villages to the deep, age-worthy structure of their Brouilly “Les Mines,” each bottling has a distinct personality.

Organic Farming and a Light Touch in the Cellar

Farming is carried out organically and with a deep respect for biodiversity. The estate has been certified organic since 2020, though they practiced sustainable viticulture well before that. No synthetic herbicides or pesticides are used. Instead, the Cottons employ manual labor, plant cover crops, and work with the rhythms of nature.

In the cellar, the philosophy is one of low intervention but high precision. Fermentations occur with native yeasts, usually in whole clusters using semi-carbonic maceration, which is traditional in Beaujolais. Sulfur is used sparingly, if at all. Aging typically takes place in large old foudres or neutral barrels, allowing the wines to evolve without obscuring their natural vibrancy.

The result? Wines that are pure, vivid, and honest—showing freshness without frivolity, and depth without over-extraction. These are not flashy, high-alcohol reds, but rather wines of nuance, energy, and integrity.

Signature Wines: From “100% Cotton” to “Les Mines”

Among the domaine’s most beloved cuvées is “100% Cotton,” a cheeky yet sincere name for a Beaujolais-Villages wine made with all the care and attention of a cru bottling. It’s often one of the most approachable in the lineup, with juicy red berries, floral notes, and a silky, quenching texture.

“Les Mines,” from a specific parcel in Brouilly, offers a darker, more serious tone, with black fruit, stony minerality, and firm structure. Meanwhile, the Côte de Brouilly expression brings spicy aromatics, crushed violets, and elegant tannins—making it ideal for cellaring or pairing with savory fare.

Limited-production bottlings like “Fût d’Oak” (aged in oak barrels) add further dimension to the range, proving that even small domaines can offer versatility when they focus on site and sensitivity.

A Beaujolais Estate with Global Relevance

Though Domaine Bonnet-Cotton remains a modest operation, its impact has been far-reaching. Export markets in the U.S., Japan, and Europe have embraced their wines, and allocations often disappear quickly upon release. Their rise is part of a broader renaissance in Beaujolais, where younger winemakers are reclaiming the region’s identity from industrial overproduction and reminding the world of Gamay’s nobility.

For wine lovers seeking freshness, honesty, and vibrancy in the glass, Bonnet-Cotton represents the best of new-generation Beaujolais. It is proof that tradition and innovation can coexist—and that small-scale, soulful winemaking still has the power to turn heads worldwide.