Domaine René Lequin-Colin – Purity and Precision from Santenay & Chassagne-Montrachet

Written by

At Top Selection, we’re proud to shine a light on Domaine René Lequin-Colin this month—an estate that quietly produces some of the most compelling and authentic wines in Burgundy today. With roots tracing back to 1673, this family-run domaine embodies the philosophy that great wine is made in the vineyard, a belief that guides everything they do.

A Family Legacy, Reimagined

The Lequin family has been tending vines in Burgundy for over three centuries. In 1992, René Lequin took over the family domaine and, with his marriage into the Colin family of Chassagne-Montrachet, two winemaking dynasties united. Today, their son François Lequin leads the estate, bringing a fresh energy while staying true to the traditions that have shaped their legacy.

François’s commitment to purity and respect for the land is unwavering. Under his leadership, the 9-hectare domaine has embraced organic farming since 2009, with biodynamic practices introduced from 2010. The estate’s vineyards have been ploughed since 1997, enhancing soil health and promoting biodiversity. It’s a hands-on approach that puts nature first and allows the terroir to express itself clearly in every glass.

Terroir-Driven Wines from Santenay & Chassagne-Montrachet

Santenay is home to Domaine René Lequin-Colin, and while often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, this appellation is steadily gaining recognition thanks to producers like François Lequin. As one of Santenay’s leading lights, François crafts three exceptional red wines and three whites that deliver remarkable quality and drinking pleasure. These wines offer outstanding value, capturing the elegance, structure, and mineral freshness that make Santenay a hidden gem in Burgundy—an appellation that deserves to be firmly on the radar of Burgundy lovers.

Just next door lies Chassagne-Montrachet, a village synonymous with some of the world’s most sought-after white wines. From this iconic terroir, Lequin-Colin produces four white Chassagne-Montrachet wines, showcasing the precision, depth, and finesse that have made the appellation a benchmark for Chardonnay globally.

In addition to these village wines, the domaine also boasts a small but prestigious selection of Grand Cru bottlings, including Corton-Charlemagne and Bâtard-Montrachet, further cementing François Lequin’s reputation as a master of expressing Burgundy’s finest terroirs.

A Philosophy of Purity and Balance

François Lequin believes in minimal intervention, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. By allowing nature to do most of the work, his wines achieve remarkable purity, balance, and expression of place. Fermentation is carried out using natural yeasts, and sulphur use is kept to a minimum. As a further commitment to preserving the integrity of their wines, they have embraced the use of screwcaps for certain cuvées, ensuring freshness and consistency.

Domaine des Crêts – The Same Vision in Mâcon

François’s passion for purity extends beyond Burgundy. Together with his wife, he runs Domaine des Crêts in Mâcon, applying the same philosophy to craft beautiful, terroir-driven wines from this often-overlooked region. His Mâcon wines deliver exceptional value, making them a must-try for anyone seeking quality and character at a more accessible price point.

Why We Love Domaine René Lequin-Colin

If you’re searching for Burgundies that offer clarity, authenticity, and value, Domaine René Lequin-Colin delivers in spades. Their wines from Santenay and Chassagne-Montrachet are thoughtful, terroir-expressive, and made with a clear vision for sustainability and quality.

We’re delighted to showcase these wines as part of our portfolio at Top Selection. Whether you’re exploring François’s elegant reds or his mineral-driven whites, each bottle offers a window into the exceptional terroirs of Burgundy.