Domaine le Cotoyon (Pruzilly, Juliénas, Beaujolais)
In the rolling hills of northern Beaujolais, Domaine le Cotoyon is quietly producing some of the region's most compelling wines. The estate is led by Geoffray Bénat, who farms 18 hectares organically, including 10 hectares within the Juliénas cru. His approach is straightforward: healthy vineyards, sustainable farming, careful cellar work, and wines that faithfully express their origins.
The resulting wines capture everything we love about Beaujolais today. They are vibrant and energetic, with a sense of freshness and drinkability that makes them equally at home on a restaurant table, at a family gathering, or tucked away in the cellar for a few years of aging.
Juliénas is among the oldest and most distinctive crus of Beaujolais, named for Julius Caesar himself. Perched along the northern edge of the region, it produces wines that often combine the floral charm of neighboring Saint-Amour with a deeper, more structured character. Geoffray's vineyards showcase this duality beautifully.
Saint-Amour "Les Darrezes"
pdf tech sheet (2024)
From granite soils in Saint-Amour, Les Darrezes is perfumed and lifted, offering bright red fruits, floral aromatics, and a savory edge from partial whole-cluster fermentation. Stemmy in the most delicious sense of the word, it balances freshness, spice, and texture while remaining effortlessly drinkable. The wine captures the charm and immediacy that have made Saint-Amour one of Beaujolais' most beloved crus.
Juliénas "Vieilles Vignes" 2024
pdf tech sheet (2024)
The estate's Juliénas Vieilles Vignes comes from 80-year-old bush vines in the lieu-dit Le Ruet, planted in ancient stony alluvial soils (caillouteux d'alluvions anciennes). These old vines produce naturally low yields, lending depth and concentration to the wine, while the well-drained soils preserve freshness and mineral tension. Dark berries, violets, earthy spice, and a distinctly savory minerality lead to a structured yet energetic finish that speaks clearly of Juliénas.
At the Table
When asked for a favorite family recipe to pair with his wines, Geoffray's answer was immediate: Braised Ox Cheeks au Juliénas. The dish calls for two full bottles of Juliénas and nearly five hours in the oven before being served alongside a rich gratin Dauphinois. It is exactly the kind of patient, soulful cooking that these wines were made for—deeply rooted in family, tradition, and the simple pleasure of gathering around the table.
Like the best Beaujolais growers, Geoffray understands that wine is ultimately meant to accompany food, conversation, and community. Domaine le Cotoyon's wines embody that philosophy with every bottle.
