Santenay - Saint Jean - Domaine Saint Marc

The Santenay Saint-Jean from Domaine Saint-Marc is an elegant white Burgundy wine made from 100% Chardonnay, from the vineyard of the same name Saint-Jean, in the Santenay area of the Côte de Beaune. The parcel covers just 0.25 hectares, lies at the foot of the hills, in a well-exposed position near the Narosse stream. The shallow, pebble-rich soils contain marls and calcareous-pebbly material that contributes to the wine's mineral character and freshness.

The grapes come from vines approximately 25 years and are hand-harvested into small 20 kg crates. Vinification involves whole-bunch pressing without pumping, followed by static settling and fermentation directly in wood. During maturation, regular bâtonnage, approximately every two weeks, to resuspend the fine lees and give the wine greater volume, softness and roundness.

Aging takes place for 12 months in one- or two-year-old barrels, before the different barrels are blended and the wine is subsequently bottled. The wood is therefore not used to overpower the character of the Chardonnay, but to accompany its evolution and build a broader, creamier palate. The result is a Santenay that combines freshness and minerality to structure, softness and depth.

On the nose, it can express white flowers, citrus and ripe fruit, while aging brings softer nuances of butter, vanilla, dried fruit and pastry. On the palate, it is broad and enveloping, supported by pleasant fresh tension. The Santenay Saint-Jean 2022, in particular, was awarded the Coup de Cœur, described by notes of jasmine, apricot, toasted hazelnut and vanilla, with a broad, juicy palate and a minty finish that maintains its energy.

It is a white Burgundy particularly suited to pairing at the table with grilled fish, shellfish, coquilles Saint-Jacques, molluscs and delicate pasta dishes, but also with creamier dishes and white meats. Domaine Saint-Marc particularly suggests pairing it with grilled fish and seared scallops.

The Santenay Saint-Jean is a Burgundy-style wine produced from a small parcel and crafted with a precise, terroir-respecting approach: a Chardonnay that combines mineral character, elegance, roundness and depth, ideal for those who want to discover the less obvious expressions of the Côte de Beaune.