The family Colin from Chassagne Montrachet and Saint-Aubin

The Colin family is so intertwined with Burgundy that you might think every vine carries its own surname. Fortunately it is not that complicated. In this blog you will find a clear overview of who is who, how the different domaines came to be, and why this family has earned such a solid place in the hearts of wine lovers.

Family relations within the Colin family

Marc and Philippe Colin are brothers. Marc is the father of Pierre-Yves, Joseph, Caroline and Damon. Philippe is the father of Simon. Simon is therefore the cousin of Pierre-Yves, Joseph and Caroline. All current domaines trace their roots back to the original Domaine Marc Colin & Fils.

The origins with Marc Colin

The story begins with Marc Colin. Together with his wife he built an important domaine in Saint-Aubin and Chassagne-Montrachet. Their wines focus on tension, freshness and a chalky sense of precision. Their four children each followed their own path in the world of wine.

• Pierre-Yves
• Joseph
• Caroline
• Damon

Pierre-Yves Colin as an iconic name

Pierre-Yves is considered one of the most influential winemakers of his generation. When he left the family domaine in 2005 and founded Pierre-Yves Colin Morey with his wife, the region watched with raised eyebrows. That changed quickly. His focus on pure precision, razor-sharp acidity and minimal intervention gave his wines a clear signature. The reductive note he often shows has become legendary. It is a style that enthusiasts can identify among dozens of tasting glasses. That tension, that almost electric energy, makes the wines not only highly sought after but sometimes genuinely scarce. Especially his wines from Chassagne and Meursault belong to the very top Burgundy can offer.

Joseph Colin and his elegant style

Joseph took his first independent steps in 2017 with Domaine Joseph Colin. His style is more refined and slightly slimmer compared to his older brother. He aims for transparency and elegance, as if peeling back each layer of the terroir to reveal only the essence. Many of his vineyards lie in Saint-Aubin, a region known for chalky soils and freshness. Joseph makes full use of that profile. His wines are delicate, precise and at times almost whisper-light. Do not be fooled by their subtlety. Beneath that gentle surface lies depth and complexity. These are wines that invite you to return to the glass and discover something new each time.

Caroline Morey and her refined Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Caroline works from her domaine Domaine Caroline Morey in the heart of Chassagne. She produces both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a calm and confident hand. Her style is open and pure. She allows the fruit to lead and keeps extraction modest. The result is a wine that is elegant, clearly defined and appealing to both connoisseurs and curious drinkers. Caroline also works with several exceptional parcels, something that becomes evident in the finesse of her wines. They are charming without being simple, refined without being aloof. She bridges classic Burgundy with contemporary drinkability in a way that feels both natural and distinctive.

Philippe Colin and the path toward Simon Colin

Philippe, Marc’s brother, spent many years building a reputation as a reliable traditional winemaker in Chassagne. His wines tended to be a little rounder and more approachable than Marc’s. They carried a classic Burgundy character with oak influence that was always present but never overpowering. His style provided an important foundation for the next generation. And you can see that clearly in Simon. Where Philippe followed the established path, Simon sharpens and modernises it.

Simon’s rise within the third generation

Simon Colin began his career working alongside his father. Later he founded his own project: Domaine Simon Colin. He started modestly with rented vineyards, but that did not stop him. His approach is energetic and modern, with a meticulous eye for detail. The winemaking is precise, the wines are clean and focused. They have freshness, texture and plenty of lift. As family vineyards became available, Simon refined his style even further. His wines from Saint-Aubin and Chassagne stand out for clarity and tension. You taste a new generation that respects the family heritage while making its own confident choices. It is similar to a grandson admiring old family photos but still taking his own camera to capture the future.

Why the wines are so appreciated

• Clean and precise vinification
• Modest use of new oak
• Plenty of freshness and tension
• Strong terroirs in Chassagne and Saint-Aubin

Overview of the Colin family

First generation:

• Marc Colin
• Philippe Colin

Second generation from the line of Marc:

• Pierre-Yves
• Joseph
• Caroline
• Damon

Second generation from the line of Philippe:

• Simon

Why this family matters in Burgundy

The Colin family plays a major role in Burgundy. They show how versatile Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can be. From the reductive tension of Pierre-Yves to the energetic modernity of Simon. Together they form a family that covers the full spectrum of style and expression and continues to help shape the region.