Frédéric Cossard La Chassornade Pet Nat 2021

Frederic Cossard is a flesh and blood natural wine legend from Burgundy, giving birth to wines of unique vibrancy, unmistakable personality, and just plain juicy goodness. Having started in 1996, he farms about 6 hectares, a good portion of which is rented, near the village of Saint Romain.

Inspired by memories of wines made by his grandfather for family consumption and strong of his background as a wine broker, Frederic started making natural wine when it was considered almost heresy. Oak-laden fruit bombs weighted down by chemical farming and additives were the standard. He uses a very long five to six weeks of maceration to give voice to the grape and its unique terroir, and malolactic fermentation occurs when the must is still on the skins.

No SO2 is ever employed, and Frederic even avoids using it when cleaning the barrels, preferring ozone to it. These are authentic wines of place, passion, and inspiration. In 2006m, he started his negoce venture, working with diverse organic varieties from different terroirs in France.

Burgundy, located in eastern France, is one of the world's most prestigious and geographically complex wine-producing areas. It spans from Chablis in the north to the Mâconnais in the south, with the Côte d'Or at the heart of its production. The region is famous for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, considered among the finest globally due to its favorable climatic and geological conditions.

Burgundy is divided into five primary wine-producing areas: Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais. Each of these areas is known for specific characteristics and qualities of wine, which are heavily influenced by the region's climate and soil composition.

Chablis, the northernmost region, is celebrated for its crisp, mineral-driven white wines made from Chardonnay grapes. The unique Kimmeridgian soil, rich in marine fossils, imparts the distinctive flinty flavors that are a hallmark of Chablis wines.

Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune form the heart of the Burgundy wine region, collectively known as the Côte d'Or. The Côte de Nuits specializes in producing robust, aromatic red wines from Pinot Noir, with famous appellations such as Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée. It is known for producing some of the world's most expensive and sought-after wines.

Côte de Beaune is known more for its exceptional white wines from Chardonnay, including the highly esteemed appellations of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, although it also produces excellent reds. This area is famous for wines that combine richness with elegance, complexity, and considerable aging potential.

Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais are located south of the Côte d'Or. The Côte Chalonnaise produces both red and white wines but is less known than its northern neighbors. It offers more affordable but still high-quality options. Mâconnais is predominantly recognized for its fruitier and more approachable white wines, particularly from the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation.

The region's wine production is based on a detailed classification system that ranges from regional wines to more specific village and single-vineyard (Premier Cru and Grand Cru) designations. This classification reflects the Burgundian focus on terroir— the specific geographic and climatic conditions of a small parcel of land— and how it influences the character of the wine.

Overall, Burgundy remains a key reference point for winemaking, particularly for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, influencing wine styles and vineyard management practices worldwide. The emphasis on terroir and the detailed appellation system provides a framework that deeply respects the subtleties of the land, resulting in wines that are not only enjoyed but studied and revered around the globe.