Region: France

Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Background: Located at the southern extremity of Côte de Beaune, Santenay is home to both the nymph of water and the god of wine: it is in fact a spa and a wine-growing area! The appellation extends over the little town of Santenay and neighbouring Remigny (Saône et Loire). The vineyard covers 947.5 acres, including 124 of Premier Cru. The great majority of wines made here are red ones.

Vinification and maturing: Grapes were hand picked and carrefully selected. Traditional vinification was then carried out in temperature-controlled concrete vats with daily stirring and pumping-over. Alternating those two methods is a good way to obtain balanced wines because the tannins are not too much extracted. Then, the wine was aged for 8 months in oak barrels with around 20% new oak.

Tasting notes: This french wine has a beautiful deep and brillant red dress. On the nose expect red and black fruits and toast. The wine is full of fruit and savoriness, carried by mellow and delicately blended tannins, and a fine length in the mouth.

Food pairing: Its supple and intense attack, and its aromatic register with its distinguished finish mean it should be matched with slow-cooked dishes like braised veal or beef, to which its tannins will lend structure without being agressive. Glazed or caramelised poultry in the Asian style would also give it a warm welcome for its meaty texture, as would home-made hamburgers. And on the cheese-board: French Brie de Meaux, Pont-l'Evêque, Cîteaux, Reblochon, Bleu de Bresse...