2021 Santenay, Les Grandes Lignes, 1er Cru, Arnaud Baillot, Burgundy

Arnaud Baillot

Domaine Arnaud Baillot is situated in the heart of the Côte d’Or, specifically in Beaune, a renowned wine-producing region in Burgundy. Arnaud Baillot and his wife Laure, the granddaughter of Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat in Chambolle-Musigny, share a deep passion for the diverse wines the Burgundy region offers.

Their collaboration has led to the creation of a remarkable range of village and premier cru Burgundy wines. Arnaud Baillot plays a hands-on role in every aspect of winemaking, from meticulously selecting the grape sources to overseeing the winemaking process and carefully choosing the type of barrels and ageing durations for each wine.

In 2017, the couple took a significant step by acquiring a small vineyard in the Côte de Beaune, marking the beginning of their venture into producing estate wines under the label Domaine Arnaud Baillot. Their winemaking philosophy revolves around respecting and showcasing the intricate terroirs of the Burgundy wine region, resulting in terroir-driven wines that truly exemplify the Burgundian character.

As they present their next vintage, it’s clear that Domaine Arnaud Baillot is committed to crafting limited-edition small-batch Burgundy crus, continuing to share their passion for and commitment to the complexity and uniqueness of the Burgundy wine region.

Santenay

Santenay, situated in the southern part of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, France, is known for producing some of the world’s most prestigious and sought-after wines. The terroir of Santenay is diverse, featuring limestone and clay soils, which play a crucial role in shaping the unique character and flavours of the wines.

The region’s winemaking heritage dates back centuries, with a deep-rooted tradition of crafting exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The village’s vineyards benefit from a favourable microclimate that promotes grape ripening while retaining freshness and balance in the wines.

The red wines often exhibit a harmonious blend of red fruit flavours, such as cherry and raspberry, and subtle earthy and spice undertones. The tannins in these wines are typically refined and well-integrated, contributing to their elegance and age-worthiness.

On the other hand, Santenay’s white wines are characterised by their bright acidity, offering refreshing citrus and orchard fruit notes with a hint of minerality.

Winemakers in Santenay take pride in following a traditional and artisanal approach to winemaking, emphasising the importance of respecting the land and expressing the unique terroir in each bottle. They aim to capture the essence of the vineyards and the nuances of the grape varieties, resulting in authentic wines that reflect their origin.

Santenay’s picturesque landscapes and dedication to producing high-quality wines attract wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide. It is a region where history, tradition, and innovation intersect, making it a compelling destination for anyone seeking to explore Burgundy’s exceptional wines and winemaking culture.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is probably the most frustrating, and at times infuriating, wine grape in the world. However when it is successful, it can produce some of the most sublime wines known to man. This thin-skinned grape which grows in small, tight bunches performs well on well-drained, deepish limestone based subsoils as are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or.

Pinot Noir is more susceptible than other varieties to over cropping - concentration and varietal character disappear rapidly if yields are excessive and yields as little as 25hl/ha are the norm for some climats of the Côte d`Or.

Because of the thinness of the skins, Pinot Noir wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However the best wines have grip, complexity and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, redolent with freshly crushed raspberries, cherries and redcurrants. When mature, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouth feel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey "sous-bois" nuances emerging.

The best examples are still found in Burgundy, although Pinot Noir`s key role in Champagne should not be forgotten. It is grown throughout the world with notable success in the Carneros and Russian River Valley districts of California, and the Martinborough and Central Otago regions of New Zealand.