Volnay
1er Cru Santenots 2023
Situated in the Cote de Beaune, the Volnay vineyards have enjoyed a solid reputation since the 9th Century.
These wines were enjoyed by the Dukes of Burgundy and Kings of France - that says it all !
Origin
Contrary to its name, “Les Santenots” is not located in the village of Volnay, but in Meursault, just to the south. Though best known for its white wines, certain terroirs, such as Les Santenots, located mid-hill, happen to be better adapted to bringing out all the finesse the Pinot Noir grape has to offer.
Several hypotheses exist concerning the name of this locality: "Santenots" may come from the Latin SENTES "brambles, thorny bushes". It may also be derived, as was the name of the village of Santenay, from the Gaulish SENTU "way" (alluding to the roads that passed through there to link Auxey-Duresses with the Roman road). It could also refer to 2 “ouvrées” (=1/12 hectare) of vines in La Sautenot (that could have been located in the Les Santenots area), that the Abbess of the Tart Abbey gave to the Abbey of Cîteaux in 1218.
Viticulture
Grape variety: pinot noir
Soils: brown marls and small pebbles.
Orientation: East
Surface area under vine: 0.68 ha
Pruning: Guyot system
Yield: 57 hL/ha
Average age of the vines: 69 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 6&12 September 2023.
The grapes were handpicked. They were sorted a first time in the vineyard and again on the sorting table when they arrived at the winery.
At the winery: the grapes were 85% destemmed but not crushed and were gravity-fed into tanks. Maceration of 17 days of which 3 days cold (12 ° C): Fermentation used indigenous yeasts only (no additives such as enzymes or tannins were used). 2 punchings of the cap.
Ageing
Maturation: aged on the lees for 14 months with no racking using a proportion of 30% new French oak barrels.
Barrels: French oak barrels that had been toasted at low temperatures for a long time for very delicate oaking.
Bottling
Bottling: by gravity on December 17, 2024, wine fined with bentonite, very light lenticular filtration.
Number of bottles: 5,164.
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 6 to 9 years.
Awards
La Revue des Vins de France - mars 2025 - 94 points
Tim Atkin - Burgundy 2023 Special Report - 94 points
Bourgogne Aujourd'hui Magazine - 14.5/20
JancisRobinson.com -Negociants'2023 Burgundies - 17 points
Tasting notes
With its dark red color and violet highlights, this wine has a generous nose of red fruits - strawberries and raspberries - delicately enhanced by a touch of spice and discreet woodiness. On the palate, it charms with its smoothness, elegance and finesse. The texture is round and luscious, supported by silky-grained tannins, and prolonged by long-lasting aromas.
