Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' – A Single-Vineyard Sancerre of Depth and Finesse

Updated → September 2025

Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' is a limited-production single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from France’s famed Loire Valley. This elegant Sancerre offers a vibrant balance of ripe fruit, mineral notes, and refined texture. Crafted by a generations-old family domaine on sun-kissed clay soils, it delivers a memorable tasting experience for any white wine enthusiast.

• Sancerre: A Benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc
• Daniel Chotard: Family Tradition in Winemaking
• The “Les Coutones” Vineyard – A Sunlit Monopole
• Crafting the Wine: Tradition Meets Modernity
• Tasting Notes: What to Expect in the Glass
• How 'Les Coutones' Differs from Other Sancerres
• Serving Temperature and Glassware Tips
• Pairing Suggestions: Foods That Complement
• Cellaring Potential: Drink Now or Later?
• Finding & Enjoying It Locally

Sancerre: A Benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc

Sancerre is one of the world’s most renowned white wine regions, synonymous with top-quality Sauvignon Blanc. Located in France’s Loire Valley, Sancerre has long set the standard for crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc wines. In recent years, its popularity has surged globally as wine lovers seek out its distinctive flinty aromas and vibrant acidity. Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' embodies everything that makes Sancerre revered – from its expressive terroir to its food-friendly elegance.

The limestone-rich hills of Sancerre, paired with its cool continental climate, produce Sauvignon Blanc grapes with intense aromatics and refreshing character. This region’s wines became a benchmark for dry white wines, often outshining Sauvignon Blancs from other parts of the world in complexity and finesse. With demand for Sancerre outpacing supply in some years, bottles like Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' have become prized finds, offering enthusiasts a chance to taste the Loire’s finest terroir in a glass.

Daniel Chotard: Family Tradition in Winemaking

The Chotard family has deep roots in Sancerre, carrying forward a legacy of artisanal winemaking. Domaine Daniel Chotard is a family-run estate now led by Daniel’s son, Simon Chotard, continuing generations of expertise. The family’s philosophy marries respect for tradition with thoughtful innovation. Over decades, they have honed their craft on the slopes of Sancerre, tending vineyards by hand and focusing on expressing the unique character of each plot.

In 2019, the Chotards achieved organic certification after years of sustainable practices. By farming with minimal chemicals and embracing organic methods, they ensure that their grapes—and ultimately the wines—truly reflect the natural environment. This commitment to the land shines through in Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones'. It’s not just a product of expert winemaking, but also of careful stewardship of the vineyards. The result is a wine that embodies both the Chotard family’s heritage and the pure qualities of Sancerre’s terroir.

The “Les Coutones” Vineyard – A Sunlit Monopole

“Les Coutones” is a special single vineyard (known in French as a lieu-dit) exclusively owned by the Chotard family – a true monopole. This small parcel sits on a steep slope in the commune of Reigny, where it basks in abundant sunshine due to its ideal exposure. Locals fittingly nickname it the “Slope of the Sun” (La Pente du Soleil). The soil here is remarkable: a dense clay-limestone blend with veins of Kimmeridgian marl. After a rain, the clay is so thick it sticks to one’s boots – earning it the affectionate old-timers’ name terre amoureuse, meaning “loving earth” for how it clings. These heavy clay soils retain moisture and keep the site cool despite the sun, prolonging the ripening period for the grapes.

Old Sauvignon Blanc vines, some planted in the mid-1990s, dig deep into this mineral-rich earth. The combination of sun-drenched days and cool clay soil yields fruit that is both ripe and brimming with acidity. It’s a rare balance that gives Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' its signature depth. Because this vineyard is a monopole, the Chotards have complete control over its farming and grape selection, ensuring only the best clusters make it into the final wine. The unique terroir of Les Coutones – sun-soaked slope, “loving” clay soil, and older vines – sets the stage for a Sancerre of exceptional character.

Crafting the Wine: Tradition Meets Modernity

Once the grapes from Les Coutones are harvested at optimal ripeness, the winemaking process begins with a blend of traditional know-how and modern precision. At the winery, the Chotards vinify the Les Coutones grapes separately to preserve their distinct identity. Fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, which capture the pure fruit flavors and maintain consistency. This modern equipment ensures that the vibrant aromatics of the Sauvignon Blanc are not lost and that fermentation stays steady and cool for maximum flavor retention.

After fermentation, Daniel and Simon Chotard tailor the aging process to suit the vineyard’s character. In many Sancerre wines, aging is done purely in stainless steel to emphasize freshness. However, with Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones', the Chotards introduce a touch of old-world technique. Portions of the wine see time in neutral oak or acacia wood vessels, adding texture and subtle complexity without overwhelming the fruit. In fact, for one vintage, the Les Coutones spent about a year maturing (some of it likely in large oak casks) before being racked and given an additional six months in stainless steel to harmonize. This measured use of oak aging imparts a gentle “roundness” – hints of nuttiness and a broader palate – while the final rest in steel preserves crispness.

Throughout production, the focus remains on showcasing the vineyard. The winery’s modern lab tools monitor fermentation health and clarity, but interventions are minimal. The end result is a wine that reflects both tradition and innovation: ancestral vineyard care and selective oak aging married with precise, clean winemaking. Every bottle of 'Les Coutones' captures the essence of its terroir, crafted with the Chotards’ unwavering commitment to quality.

Tasting Notes: What to Expect in the Glass

Pour a glass of Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' and you’ll immediately notice its shimmering pale gold color with flashes of green – a hint at its freshness. On the nose, this wine is exuberant yet refined. Expect inviting aromas of citrus and exotic fruits: think ripe tangerine, grapefruit, and a hint of unripened pineapple. There’s a floral touch of spring clover and a whisper of dried herbs. Underneath, the signature Sancerre minerality emerges – a flinty, limestone note that evokes wet stones after a rain.

Take a sip, and the palate is both lively and layered. Juicy citrus and orchard fruit flavors (lemon zest, green apple, and subtle white peach) dance across the tongue, balanced by a streak of refreshing acidity. Despite its vibrancy, 'Les Coutones' has a notable finesse and weight on the mid-palate. The clay soil influence gives a slightly fuller body than a typical Sancerre, lending a silky texture and a sense of breadth in the mouth. You might detect unique notes like a hint of anise or fennel alongside the fruit – a nod to the wine’s complexity. The finish is long and mouthwatering, with a saline, almost sea-breeze minerality and a clean, invigorating aftertaste. Overall, Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' manages to be both rich in flavor and crisp in structure – a harmonious balance that keeps you coming back for another sip.

How 'Les Coutones' Differs from Other Sancerres

What makes 'Les Coutones' stand out in a region filled with excellent Sauvignon Blanc? In the context of Sancerre wines, it offers a unique profile shaped by its terroir and production choices. Many classic Sancerre bottlings are celebrated for their razor-sharp acidity and lean minerality – delicious, but often straightforward. By contrast, Daniel Chotard’s 'Les Coutones' provides extra layers of depth and a broader palate feel. Here are some key points of distinction:

• Single-Vineyard Expression: Unlike generic Sancerre blends from multiple sites, 'Les Coutones' comes from one specific vineyard. This singular origin concentrates the character – you taste a particular place, not just a region.
• Clay-Rich Terroir: The high clay content in Les Coutones’ soil yields a fuller-bodied wine. While many Sancerres from flint (silex) soils emphasize piercing minerality and smokiness, this cuvée leans into a rounder texture and ripe fruit profile thanks to the clay and marl.
• Subtle Oak Influence: A lot of Sancerre producers avoid oak entirely. The Chotards’ choice to age 'Les Coutones' partially in neutral oak/acacia vessels (even for a short period) sets it apart. It brings nuance – a gentle creaminess and complexity – without sacrificing freshness. Most standard Sancerre is aged only in stainless steel and thus remains very linear; 'Les Coutones' has a bit more breadth.
• Family Craftsmanship: As a wine from a smaller family domaine, every step for 'Les Coutones' is carefully managed. This hands-on attention can yield more distinctive results than larger commercial Sancerre producers. It’s an artisanal wine, and that quality shows in the glass.

When comparing Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' to other Sancerres on the market, one might also note its aging potential (more on that below) as a differentiator. It has the structure to evolve a bit in bottle, whereas many Sancerre wines are best enjoyed young. Even within Chotard’s own lineup, 'Les Coutones' stands at the pinnacle alongside their other special cuvées (such as “Les Cris” or “Marcel Henri”). In summary, 'Les Coutones' delivers a Sancerre experience that is at once classically satisfying and uniquely elevated – a true connoisseur’s Sauvignon Blanc.

Serving Temperature and Glassware Tips

To fully appreciate the nuances of Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones', it’s important to serve it properly. First, ensure the wine is well-chilled, but not ice-cold. Aim for a serving temperature around 45–50°F (7–10°C). This cool temperature keeps the wine refreshing and crisp, highlighting its acidity and aromatic intensity. However, avoid serving it straight out of an extremely cold fridge or freezer – overly chilling can mute the beautiful aromas and flavors. If the bottle has been in the refrigerator, taking it out 10–15 minutes before pouring is a good rule of thumb.

When it comes to glassware, use a white wine glass with a reasonably large bowl. A Sauvignon Blanc or universal white wine glass will do nicely. The gently tapered rim will concentrate the delicate citrus and mineral aromas, while the bowl provides room for swirling. Swirling the wine in the glass helps release the layers of aroma we discussed, from pineapple and tangerine to those subtle herbaceous and flinty notes. There’s generally no need to decant this wine – it’s not heavily aged or full of sediment – but if you’re pouring an older vintage of 'Les Coutones' (perhaps one that has a few years of bottle age), you could consider a quick decant to let it open up if it seems a bit shy at first.

As with any quality Sancerre, serve 'Les Coutones' in its prime condition: fresh and at the right temperature. And don’t forget to have proper storage for any leftovers. Reseal the bottle with a cork or stopper and keep it in the fridge; the wine should stay enjoyable for a couple of days after opening, though it’s so delicious it might not last that long!

Pairing Suggestions: Foods That Complement

One of the joys of a great Sancerre like this is its versatility at the table. Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' shines alongside a variety of dishes, thanks to its balance of acidity, fruit, and minerality. Here are some food pairings that truly flatter this wine:

• Classic Goat Cheese (Crottin de Chavignol): The Loire Valley is famous for goat cheese, and Sancerre and chèvre is a match made in heaven. The tangy creaminess of goat cheese highlights the wine’s citrus notes and minerality.
• Shellfish and Seafood: Oysters, clams, and mussels are excellent with 'Les Coutones' – its saline finish mirrors the brininess of shellfish. Also try it with grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or a delicate white fish like sole or halibut with a lemon butter sauce.
• Herb-Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The wine’s herbal hints and acidity complement poultry roasted with herbs (thyme, tarragon, rosemary). It cuts through the richness of the meat and harmonizes with savory flavors.
• Sushi and Sashimi: The clean, bright character of the wine pairs wonderfully with sushi, especially with white fish or vegetarian rolls. It’s refreshing alongside soy and wasabi, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Fresh Salads and Vegetables: Think of salads with goat cheese, citrus segments, or asparagus. The wine’s green freshness and citrus elements echo the flavors of green vegetables and vinaigrettes without being overwhelmed.

The key is to avoid extremely heavy or spicy dishes that could overpower the wine’s subtlety. Instead, lean towards foods that either mirror its freshness or provide a pleasant contrast. Creamy dishes (like a goat cheese tart or a mild creamy pasta) can also work, as the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness. With Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' at the table, you have a flexible partner – it can elevate an elegant dinner or simply be enjoyed with light bites on a sunny afternoon.

Cellaring Potential: Drink Now or Later?

Sancerre is often enjoyed in its youth for its fresh fruitiness and zippy acidity, but 'Les Coutones' has a bit more to offer for those patient enough to cellar it. Thanks to the wine’s concentrated fruit from old vines and its balanced structure, Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' can develop nicely with a little age. If you have the current release (for example, a 2022 or 2023 vintage), it is absolutely delightful to drink now – vibrant, aromatic, and lively. However, it also has the stuffing to rest in a cool cellar for a few years.

Over 2–4 years of bottle age, you might see the wine gain additional complexity. The bracing acidity will soften slightly, and the flavors could broaden, revealing deeper notes of honeyed citrus, mellowed mineral tones, and a touch more roundness on the palate. Some tasters of the 2019 vintage of 'Les Coutones' noted intriguing nutty hints emerging after a bit of age, showing that it can take on an almost Chardonnay-like depth while still unmistakably Sauvignon Blanc. Keep in mind, this isn’t the kind of white wine you’d age for a decade or more like a grand cru Burgundy; its window is more medium-term. Plan to enjoy it within about 5 years from the vintage for the best balance of freshness and evolved complexity.

If you do decide to hold a few bottles, store them in a dark, cool place (around 55°F, 13°C) on their side to keep the cork moist. When you’re ready to open an older bottle of Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones', you might find it beneficial to pour it into glasses and let it breathe a few minutes. Savoring a slightly aged 'Les Coutones' is a rewarding experience – it’s fascinating to taste how this Sancerre can evolve and gain even more elegance over time. But whether you drink it now or later, you’re in for a treat.

Finding & Enjoying It Locally

Ready to experience Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones' for yourself? If you’re in Jackson Hole or the surrounding area, you’re in luck. This exceptional wine is available at The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole, where wine experts can further guide you on its nuances. Given the limited production of 'Les Coutones', it’s a smart idea to grab a bottle while you can – Sancerre enthusiasts often snap up these single-vineyard gems quickly. Whether you’re a seasoned Sauvignon Blanc lover or exploring Sancerre for the first time, this bottle promises to impress with its balance of tradition and terroir-driven character.

Enjoy your purchase with confidence: you’ll be tasting the result of generations of winemaking wisdom and one of Sancerre’s treasured vineyard sites. If you need any assistance or more recommendations, the staff at The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole is always ready to help you find the perfect wine for any occasion. So go ahead, pour a glass of Daniel Chotard Sancerre 'Les Coutones', and toast to a truly remarkable Loire Valley wine experience. Cheers!