AOC Santenay 1er Cru

Santenay Premier Cru comes from twelve climats, named vineyard sites that the Santenay AOC sets apart with the words “Premier Cru.” Red takes up most of the ground: in 2022, it covered 101 of the 123 hectares in production (250 of 305 acres), over four acres out of five, per the Burgundy wine board (BIVB).

Where the Côte Bends Toward the Dheune Valley

At Santenay, the Côte de Beaune changes course. It curves westward and runs on along the left bank of the valley of the Dheune, a river that drains granite uplands. On this slope, the mapped vineyard plots climb from 210 to 450 meters (690 to 1,480 feet) above sea level.

Underneath, Jurassic limestone and marl alternate, broken up by many faults. The result is a jumbled landscape: rocky knolls, sometimes topped with scrubby woods, sit next to bands of marl, where vines are most often planted. Only the hardest limestone beds, bare of soil, are left out of the mapped plots.

Lower down, the slope evens out. Scree mixed with clay and silt covers the bedrock, stony and thin near the top, finer and deeper toward the bottom. Along the edge of the valley, it spreads into a lower slope with free-draining, moderately fertile soils, which the appellation also takes in. Their stones help the soil warm up.

Santenay Sites Already Ranked in 1855

In 1855, Dr. Lavalle published Histoire et statistique de la vigne et des grands vins de la Côte-d’Or, a survey of the region’s vineyards and great wines. He ranked each village’s climats in tiers. In Santenay, several were placed in his “hors ligne” (in a class of their own) and “première cuvée” (first tier) categories.

Most of those sites are Premier Cru climats today. The official list of climats entitled to the designation was only recognized in 1943.

Santenay’s growers also have their own wine brotherhood, the Confrérie de Saint-Vincent et des Grumeurs de Santenay, which holds events to promote their wines.

Lower Yields Than Village Santenay

To earn the Premier Cru designation, a Santenay must come from vines held to a smaller crop. The appellation sets Premier Cru yields at 48 hectoliters per hectare for reds and 55 for whites, against 50 and 57 for village Santenay. The absolute ceilings keep the same gap: 56 and 62 hectoliters per hectare, against 58 and 64.

Premier Cru vines also grow within their own mapped zone. Santenay reds show firm, velvety tannins; the whites, made from Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc, are dry and full-bodied, with good acidity, and often suggest hazelnut or fern.

Santenay Premier Cru at the Table and in the Glass

How strong can Santenay Premier Cru be after chaptalization?

After enrichment (chaptalization or must concentration), a Santenay Premier Cru may not exceed 14% ABV, against 13.5% for village Santenay. Before any enrichment, its natural alcohol must reach at least 11% for reds and 11.5% for whites.

Which cheeses go with Santenay Premier Cru?

Red Santenay Premier Cru goes well with Brie de Meaux, Pont-l’Évêque or Bleu de Bresse. The white goes better with goat cheese.

What food goes with white Santenay Premier Cru?

White Santenay Premier Cru, crisp and fresh, suits creamy dishes: mushroom risotto or mushroom pasta, or a fish couscous.

Where can you buy Santenay Premier Cru direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Santenay Premier Cru direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. The producer packs and ships your order directly.

See also: AOC Santenay - AOC Maranges - AOC Beaune 1er Cru