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Santenay

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Santenay
Santenay is a communal appellation of the Côte de Beaune in Côte d'Or, covering the communes of Santenay and Remigny. This appellation, established in 1937, comprises 12 climats classified as Santenay Premier Cru La Comme, Les Gravières, Clos de Tavannes, Beauregard, Clos Faubard, Clos des Mouches, Beaurepaire, Passetemps, La Maladière, Grand Clos Rousseau, Clos Rousseau. 

The vineyards of Santenay and Santenay Premier Cru lie on a terroir of grayish limestone soils at the top of the slopes, up to 500 meters altitude. Descending the slope, the soils are composed of oolitic limestone, white oolite, marl and limestone chips, lower oolite on a marly level up to an altitude of 300 meters. Santenay's vines are perfectly exposed from east to south. 

Visit Santenay wine and Santenay Premier Cru is overwhelmingly a red wine made from Pinot Noir grapes. Its mauve-purple, black cherry color, usually deep, shines brightly. The bouquet is reminiscent of rose petals, peony, violets and red fruit, with a hint of licorice. On the palate, the attack is intense and deep. Firm, discreet tannins make up a supple, well-structured body with a very fine texture. Produced in smaller quantities, the Santenay white wines are made exclusively from Chardonnay. Domaine Roger Belland, like Domaine Chanson Père et Fils perfectly express the finesse of the terroir in their wines. Santenay wine.

Santenay, a Burgundy AOC to discover for the aromatic quality of its wines

The Santenay vineyards are located in BurgundySantenay is located in the southern part of the Côte de Beaune, between the Côte-d'Or and Saône-et-Loire departments. Santenay has been an appellation d'origine contrôlée since 1937. 12 climats (or lieux-dits) benefit from the Santenay 1er cru appellation, while the others are classified as Santenay Village. The Santenay vineyard covers 330 hectares, on terroirs composed mainly of limestone and marl. It rises between 300 and 500 meters above sea level, with a south-facing slope. 

Around 90% of the appellation's wines are made from red grapes, and 10% from white. Santenay is made from two dominant grape varieties: pinot noir (for red wines) and chardonnay (for white wines).

Characteristics of Santenay

To the eye

Santenay red has a beautiful purple color (black cherry or purplish ruby). White Santenay is a bright, clear straw yellow.

On the nose

Santenay red reveals the typical Pinot Noir aromas of red fruits (raspberry, redcurrant and blueberry). It then reveals spicier notes (pepper, cinnamon), with floral (violet) or aromatic (mint and licorice) nuances. Santenay blanc, meanwhile, expresses itself through aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit, very characteristic of Chardonnay, finishing with notes of almond and toast.

In the mouth

Santenay red reveals round, fruity notes. Full-bodied and structured, it is a good wine for laying down. In white, Santenay expresses notes of hazelnut and fern. It can be vigorous and full-bodied on the palate.

Santenay's premier crus

The Santenay appellation, covering some 330 hectares, includes 12 climats (or lieux-dits) classified as premier crus. Clos de Tavannes is a Premier Cru vineyard at the northern end of the village of Santenay. It is one of the appellation's finest premier crus. Given its relatively small size compared with the rest of the appellation's vineyards, Clos de Tavannes wines are highly sought-after. Essentially made from Pinot Noir grapes, they offer a fine tannic structure, with spicy, fruity aromas. 

Elegant and structured, the wines of Santenay premiers crus, like the Clos de Tavannes 2017, offer a fine balance between aromatic suppleness and tannic structure.

Food and wine pairing

Santenay red goes wonderfully well with meat dishes such as roast veal, duck with green pepper, coq au vin and game. With a cheese platter, it goes well with morbier, pont-l'évêque or chaource. Serving temperature: 15°. 

White Santenay goes well with fish dishes (such as trout with almonds) and seafood. Serving temperature: between 11 and 12°. 

Accessible and fruity, Santenay wines are to be discovered for their aromatic quality and evolutionary potential.

More information on the Santenay

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Domaine Jessiaume - Santenay 1er Cru Les Gravières blanc 2022

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5/5 (1 review)

95/100 James Suckling

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90-93/100 Inside Burgundy - Jasper Morris

chardonnay
complex
finesse
1er cru

"What a beautiful white Burgundy, with the elegance and concentration we look for in these wines! (James Suckling)"

"[...] The graceful, medium-bodied palate has a chalky character and fine candied citrus fruit. The finish is very long and refined, with considerable mineral and nutty complexity. Made from organically grown grapes. Drink now or cellar. (James Suckling 2024)

Domaine Jessiaume - Santenay 1er Cru Les Gravières rouge 2022

94/100 Decanter

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91-93/100 Inside Burgundy - Jasper Morris

pinot noir
persistent
silky tannins
1er cru

"One of Santenay's finest climats, in a generous palette of intense aromas!"

"The Gravières premier cru rouge is the flagship of this estate. It is widely regarded as Santenay's finest vineyard, and Jessiaume owns over 5 ha of it, most of which is here. This generous wine is slightly reserved on the attack, but opens up with time to reveal deep aromas of blackberry and plum, hints of exotic black tea and spices. The texture is dense and firm, with silky but sustained tannins and impressive persistence on the palate." (Decanter 2023)

Louis Jadot - Santenay Clos de Malte rouge 2020

90/100 Wine Spectator

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88-90/100 Robert Parker

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88-91/100 Wine Spectator

pinot noir
structured
vanilla

"A complex red with many layers of aromas".

"The Santenay Clos de Malte 2020 (Domaine Louis Jadot) offers aromas of sweet red berries, clove and vanilla bean, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy palate, framed by lively acids and powdery tannins. This is a fine piece of work." (Wine Advocate 2022)

Louis Jadot - Santenay Clos de Malte blanc 2022

90/100 Robert Parker

-

88-90/100 Inside Burgundy - Jasper Morris

chardonnay
textured

"Great precision and sublime balance!"

"Offering notes of peach, pear, toasted nuts, smoke and white flowers, the Santenay Clos de Malte Blanc 2022 (Domaine Louis Jadot) is medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless, with racy acidity and a penetrating finish." (Wine Advocate 2024)

Maison Louis Latour - Santenay 2022

1*Étoile Hachette

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91/100 James Suckling

(2020 vintage notes)
chardonnay
floral
scallops with citrus fruit

"A Santenay white full of freshness and length".

The Santenay appellation produces predominantly red wines, with white wines remaining rather confidential. This cuvée has a floral nose, with scents of vanilla and acacia. On the palate, it offers great freshness and length.

Roger Belland - Santenay 1er Cru Les Gravières 2022

92/100 Decanter

(Vintage 2021 notes)
pinot noir
truffled and stuffed poularde
1er cru
chic wine

"One of Santenay's most renowned climats, in a gourmet palette of delicate aromas!"

On the nose, a big bowl of berries like redcurrant, blueberry and wild strawberry. On the palate, the balance and freshness are remarkable, and the aromas perceived on the first nose can transform into notes of blackcurrant, violet and mocha.

Roger Belland - Santenay 1er Cru Beauregard 2022

88-91/100 Inside Burgundy - Jasper Morris

(Vintage 2021 notes)
pinot noir
rack of lamb with porcini mushrooms
1er cru

"A refined, spicy and persistent 1er cru".

The nose of this Santenay 1er Cru Beauregard, with its intense ruby-red color, offers an excellent marriage of red fruit and fine oak. Full-bodied and spicy, the palate is fresh and elegant, with long persistence.

Bonnardot - Santenay Saint-Jean 2020

chardonnay
yellow fruits
cep risotto
scallop

"A lively Santenay".

The Santenay appellation produces mainly red wines, and white wines remain rather confidential. Nevertheless, Domaine Bonnardot has chosen to create the Cuvée Saint-Jean Blanc, a perfect reflection of the richness that a Chardonnay from this appellation can offer. Fresh and vigorous on the palate, with notes of citrus, yellow fruit and toasted hazelnuts. A real treat with mushroom risotto.

Louis Jadot - Santenay 1er Cru Clos Rousseau 2015

87-89/100 Robert Parker

pinot noir
structured
ample
red meat

"Power and amplitude

Maison Louis Jadot's Santenay 1er Cru Clos Rousseau 2015 presents a bouquet with aromas of red cherries and bergamot tea. Full-bodied, fleshy and ample on the palate, with a powerful tannic structure.

Louis Jadot - Famille Gagey Clos des Gatsulards Monopole 2012

Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5

3.8/5 (5 reviews)

15/20 Bettane & Desseauve

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87-89/100 Vinous

pinot noir
round-tipped
concentrate
fondue bourguignonne

"All the expertise of a great House!

"The Santenay Clos des Gatsulards 2012 shows the richness of the year combined with the tension typical of this steep hillside site. Iron, minerals, intense red fruits and chalky, incisive tannins carry through to the finish. The 2012 is above all a wine of concentration and energy". (Vinous)

Roger Belland - Santenay Comme-Dessus 2022

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3/5 (1 review)

91/100 Decanter

(Vintage 2021 notes)
chardonnay
fat
balanced
good acidity

"A set table, Burgundy snails, this lovely Santenay and it's all done!"

Roger Belland's Santenay Comme-Dessus has a honeyed bouquet, with aromas of exotic fruit and toast. Full-bodied and robust, the palate offers a perfect balance between fatness and acidity.

Roger Belland - Santenay 1er Cru Beauregard 2021

88-91/100 Inside Burgundy - Jasper Morris

pinot noir
rack of lamb with porcini mushrooms
1er cru

"A refined, spicy and persistent 1er cru".

The nose of this Santenay 1er Cru Beauregard, with its intense ruby-red color, offers an excellent marriage of red fruit and fine oak. Full-bodied and spicy, the palate is fresh and elegant, with long persistence.

Louis Jadot - Domaine Prieur-Brunet Santenay 1er Cru Clos Rousseau 2015

chardonnay
material
character
oysters and seafood

The Santenay 1er Cru Clos Rousseau 2015 is expressive on the nose, with notes of leather, peony and spices. On the palate, the structure is straightforward and full-bodied, supported by dense tannins. A wine of character, perfect with your finest seafood!

Louis Jadot – Domaine Prieur-Brunet Santenay 1er Cru Maladière 2020

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5/5 (1 review)

94/100 James Suckling

pinot noir
generous
Mont d'Or

"Beautiful sweet cherries on the attack, then the tannins seriously assert themselves in the generous mouthfeel of this appellation. The winemaker has really succeeded with this wine, and the tannins are well balanced. Beautiful blood orange acidity on the generous finish. Drink now or cellar. (James Suckling 2022)

Maison H. et G. Buisson - Santenay 1er Cru La Comme 2020

91/100 Robert Parker

pinot noir
structured
powdery tannins
calf sweetbread
1er cru

"Structured and refined

"Offering aromas of cherries, sweet red berries and plums mixed with hints of licorice and spice, the 2020 Santenay 1er Cru Clos de la Comme is medium to full-bodied, with acid notes, powdery tannins and a penetrating finish. It is more structured than its communal counterpart, though still quite refined." (Wine Advocate 2022)