Sommelier Antoine "Corto" Guichard — The Art of Wine at Colette Bratislava

At Colette, a great dish is only half the story. The other half is in the glass.

Antoine "Corto" Guichard is the soul of Colette's wine experience. As Chef Sommelier, he curates every wine on the list, designs every pairing, and guides every guest through a journey that begins with the first aperitif and ends with the last sip alongside dessert. His philosophy is simple: wine should elevate food, surprise the palate, and tell a story of its own.

From Burgundy to Bratislava

Corto's story begins in Burgundy — one of the most celebrated wine regions on earth. Growing up surrounded by vineyards, he developed an intuitive connection with wine long before it became his profession.

He began working in French hospitality from a young age, moving through restaurants and wineries across Burgundy. It was there that he attended one of France's prestigious sommelier schools, earning his diploma in the heart of the country's most important wine-producing region.

This foundation — equal parts academic knowledge and hands-on experience — is what makes Corto's approach so distinctive. He doesn't just know wine; he understands it the way only someone who grew up in it can.

The Wine Philosophy

Corto's wine list at Colette is unlike anything else in Bratislava. His selections lean toward small, independent French producers — often from lesser-known regions — with a strong preference for natural and organic wines.

Discovery over familiarity. Corto wants every glass to be an adventure. Rather than filling the list with predictable labels, he seeks out rare grape varieties, innovative winemaking techniques, and producers who pour their soul into every bottle.

Harmony with the kitchen. Every wine pairing at Colette is designed in close collaboration with Chef Maxence Rouillon. The pairing is not an afterthought — it is an integral part of the Carte Blanche experience, where each glass is composed to complement and elevate its corresponding course.

Respect for terroir. Whether the wine comes from Burgundy, the Loire Valley, or the vineyards of Central Europe, what matters is that it speaks of its place. Corto believes wine is an expression of nature, history, and the passion of its maker.

Wine Pairing at Colette

The wine pairing is available alongside all three Carte Blanche formats (3, 5, and 7 courses). Each pairing is personally selected by Corto to match the specific dishes of the evening — because the menu changes daily, so do the wines.

A typical pairing evening at Colette might include a crisp aperitif from a small Alsatian producer, a biodynamic white from the Loire Valley alongside seafood, a Burgundy Pinot Noir to accompany the main course, and a sweet wine from Jurançon to close with dessert.

Non-alcoholic pairing options are also available for guests who prefer an alcohol-free experience without compromising on complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of wine does Colette specialise in?
Sommelier Corto focuses on wines from small, independent French producers, with a preference for natural and organic wines. The list also includes Central European wines from Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary.

Can I book a wine pairing with the Carte Blanche?
Yes, wine pairing is available for all Carte Blanche formats — 3, 5, and 7 courses. Simply request it when making your reservation or upon arrival.

Is there a non-alcoholic pairing option?
Yes, Corto offers thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic pairings for guests who prefer an alcohol-free experience.

Can the sommelier help me choose from the wine list?
Absolutely. Corto is always happy to guide you through the wine list and recommend bottles that match your preferences and your meal.

Does Colette host wine tasting events?
Please contact us directly at info@colette.sk to inquire about private wine tasting events and special wine dinners.

Let Corto Guide Your Evening
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