Santenay

The Santenay and Santenay Premier Cru vineyards are situated on a terroir composed of grayish limestone soils at the top of the slopes, up to an altitude of 500 meters. Further down the slope, the soils consist of oolitic limestone—white oolite, marl, and limestone nodules—with the lower oolite layer resting on a marl layer at altitudes of up to 300 meters. The Santenay vineyards enjoy ideal exposure from the east to the south. 

The Santenay wine and Santenay Premier Cru is overwhelmingly a red wine made from Pinot Noir. Its deep, rich purple-mauve and black cherry color shines brilliantly. Its bouquet evokes rose petals, peony, violet, and red berries, with a hint of licorice. On the palate, the attack is intense and deep. Firm yet subtle tannins create a supple, well-structured body with a very fine texture. Produced in smaller quantities, the Santenay The white wines are made exclusively from Chardonnay. Domaine Roger Belland, just like the Chanson Père et Fils Estate are perfectly capable of expressing the subtleties of the terroir in their Santenay wine.

Santenay, a Burgundy AOC worth discovering for the aromatic quality of its wines

The Santenay vineyard is located in Burgundy, in the very south of the Côte de Beaune, between the departments of Côte-d’Or and Saône-et-Loire. Santenay has been an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) since 1937. Twelve climats (or lieux-dits) bear the Santenay 1er Cru designation, while the others are classified under the Santenay Village appellation. The Santenay vineyard covers 330 hectares, on terroirs composed mainly of limestone and marl. It lies at an elevation of between 300 and 500 meters and faces south. 

About 90% of the appellation’s wines are red, and 10% are white. Santenay is made from two primary grape varieties: Pinot Noir (for red wines) and Chardonnay (for white wines).

The Characteristics of Santenay

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The red Santenay has a beautiful purple hue (black cherry or purplish ruby). The white Santenay has a beautiful, clear, and bright straw-yellow color.

On the nose

The red Santenay reveals the typical aromas of Pinot Noir through red fruits (raspberry, red currant, and blueberry). It then gives way to spicier notes (pepper, cinnamon), with floral (violet) or aromatic (mint and licorice) undertones. The white Santenay, meanwhile, expresses itself through aromas of white flowers and citrus—very characteristic of Chardonnay—and finishes with notes of almond and toast.

On the palate

The red Santenay reveals round, fruity notes. Full-bodied and well-structured, it is a good wine for aging. The white Santenay expresses notes of hazelnuts and ferns. It can be vigorous and full-bodied on the palate.

The Premier Crus of Santenay

The Santenay appellation, which spans approximately 330 hectares, includes 12 climats (or lieux-dits) classified as Premier Cru. Clos de Tavannes is a Premier Cru vineyard located at the northern edge of the village of Santenay. It is one of the appellation’s finest Premier Cru wines. Given its relatively small size compared to the rest of the appellation’s vineyards, wines from Clos de Tavannes are highly sought after. Made primarily from Pinot Noir, they offer a beautiful tannic structure, with spicy and fruity aromas. 

Elegant and well-structured, Santenay Premier Cru wines, such as the 2017 Clos de Tavannes, offer a beautiful balance between aromatic suppleness and tannic structure.

Food and Wine Pairings

Santenay red pairs wonderfully with meat dishes such as roast veal, duck with green peppercorns, coq au vin, or game. On a cheese platter, it pairs well with Morbier, Pont-l’Évêque, or Chaource. Serving temperature: 15°. 

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

Accessible and fruity, Santenay wines are worth discovering for their aromatic qualities and aging potential.