Domaine du Pavillon, Volnay, 1er Cru Les Santenots, Burgundy, France, 2022

Producer Profile

Located south of Pommard, Domaine du Pavillon is Albert Bichot’s flagship Côte de Beaune estate.

The domaine covers 19.5 hectares, with vineyards across some of the Côte de Beaune’s most renowned appellations, including Meursault, Pommard, Volnay, Corton and Corton-Charlemagne, with holdings in some of the region’s finest vineyard sites. The estate itself includes vineyards, a winery, cellars and an 18th-century manor surrounded by walls. Almost 4 hectares are dedicated to the domaine’s production of Pommard Clos des Ursulines monopole. Organic viticulture is practised throughout the estate, while the winery was modernised in 2016, allowing individual parcels to be vinified separately and with greater precision.

Viticulture

Contrary to what the wine's name might suggest, the Premier Cru "Les Santenots" is not located in Volnay, but in Meursault. Though the latter is particularly known for its great white wines, some terroirs, such as "Les Santenots" are more adapted to the Pinot Noir grape, allowing it to express all of its finesse. Several hypotheses exist concerning the origin of this Climat's name. "Santenots" may have derived from the Latin word SENTES (brambles, thorny shrubs), or from SENTU (path) in reference to the paths that traversed the area to descend from Auxey-Duresses to the Roman roadway.

Winemaking

Handpicking, then the grapes are sorted at the winery before a fermentation and maceration in thermoregulated wooden vats for 18 to 21days. Aging in oak barrels (25 to 35% new barrels) for 14 to 16 months.

Tasting Note

The complex nose reveals scents of red fruit (cherry, raspberry…) combined with hints of spices and oak. On the palate, this charming wine features nice volume, fine structure with well-integrated tannins and a long, highly fragrant finish.

Food matching

Herb-crusted rack of lamb, Roast guinea fowl or pheasant, Veal medallions with wild mushrooms, Beef Wellington