Santenay
Bio 2023
This is the Côte d’Or’s southernmost appellation, located just to the south of Chassagne-Montrachet …
Origin
Santenay, lying at the southern extremity of the Côte de Beaune, is home to both the nymph of water and the god of wine: it is both a spa and a winegrowing centre. The wines of Santenay present discernible differences according to which part of the appellation they hail from. The houses of Santenay and its associated hamlets form a scattering of small groups and sumptuous panoramic views are to be had from the hilltops. Human occupation here goes back to pre-history. The Sorine windmill also represents an important part of the history of this commune.
Santenay, so often associated with reds, reveals here a different face — radiant and refined Santenay, naturally associated with reds, reveals a completely different face here, luminous and racy. Sourced from two plots — Les Bieveaux and Sous la Roche - located high up in the village.
The grapes selected from this cuvée are certified Ecocert.
Viticulture
Grape variety: chardonnay
Soils: clay-limestone, marl, with bedrock.
Orientation: Southeast
Surface area under vine: 0.48 ha
Pruning: Guyot system
Yield: 45 hL/ha
Average age of the vine: 30 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 14 September 2023.
The grapes were handpicked.
At the winery: the whole bunches of grapes were gently pressed for 2½ hours. The temperature of the must was brought down to 12°C then was immediately transferred to barrels with no settling to preserve a maximum of lees.
Ageing
Maturation: aged for 18 months in a 450-L barrel, with no racking or stirring to bring out all of this wine’s minerality. 40% new oak barrel.
Barrels: French oak barrels that had been toasted at low temperatures for a long time to impart a subtle, delicate touch of oak were used.
Bottling
Bottling: by gravity on March 17, 2025, wine fined with bentonite, very light lenticular filtration.
Number of bottles: 2,892.
Vintage
Fruity and generous
The 2023 vintage experienced unpredictable weather conditions, making work in the vineyards essential for grape quality. Harvesting began in early September under intense heat with the Chardonnays to avoid over-ripening, followed by the reds. The whites will spend two winters in the cellar, while the Pinot Noirs will have undergone short ageing to preserve the fruity aromas. A vintage that brings out the best in each terroir, offering wines that are bright and delicious.
Ageing potential: From 7 to 10 years.
Awards
Bourgogne Aujourd'hui Magazine - 15 / 20
Tasting notes
A brilliant golden yellow, this expressive Santenay exhales intense aromas of ripe yellow fruit - peach, apricot - enhanced by notes of toasted hazelnut and a hint of butter. On the palate, a straightforward attack opens onto a full, generous body. The round finish prolongs softness and balance. Velvety and greedy, this wine combines charm, pleasure and character.
