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A little history
Santenay is an appellation d’origine contrôlée that stretches from the village of Santenay (Côte-d’Or) to Reigny (Saône-et-Loire). This is a communal appellation in the extreme south of the Côte de Beaune vineyards. Once upon a time, this area was known for being divided between wine production and the development of thermal waters.
The vineyard’s history dates back to prehistoric times, with the first traces of human settlement, and it has passed through many eras, notably being imbued with the memory of the Dukes of Burgundy. The Santenay appellation was officially recognized in 1937.
Entirely devoted to wine, Santenay is now mainly planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Crossed by the Dheune, a rather tranquil river, the Santenay terroir produces wines that can be laid down, and which have “the soul of Volnay and the body of Pommard”.
A privileged terroir and quality production
On the terroir side, we’re on grayish limestone on the upper slopes, up to 500 meters altitude. Lower down, on the slopes, oolitic limestone, oolite, marl and limestone chips are found up to 300 metres. The vineyard is perfectly exposed to the sun, from sunrise to midday.
AOC Santenay covers 274 hectares of Pinot Noir vines, of which 106 hectares are Premier Cru, and 63 hectares of white Chardonnay, of which 20 are Premier Cru. The wines produced under this appellation are renowned for their finesse and complex aromas, including Joseph Drouhin’s famous Clos des Mouches, an exceptional climat classified as a Premier Cru.
Santenay wines
Pinot Noir
Like the climat classé premier cru Beauregard, Santenay reds are dark, tending towards cherry and black tulip.
On the nose, red fruits (raspberry, redcurrant, blueberry) and spices (pepper and cinnamon). Then come notes of violet, mint, licorice and even mushroom. As the wines mature, they reveal aromas of leather, candied fruit and stone.
Santenay red wines are smooth, tender and round on the palate. Attractive fruity aromas follow on the palate, creating a well-structured ensemble for ageing.
Enjoy it with roast veal or duck with green pepper.
Chardonnay
Santenay whites are distinguished by their light yellow color, which can evolve towards gold and emerald. On the nose, there are hints of white flowers, citrus, sweet almond and toast. Close to the mouth of Chassagne-Montrachet, Santenay is full-bodied and offers a bouquet of hazelnuts and ferns. If you have seafood or trout on the menu, don’t hesitate to bring out a bottle from a Santenay domaine.
