AOC Santenay

History of the AOC Santenay Appellation

Famous for its thermal springs as much as for its wine, Santenay combines exceptional terroir with historical richness. Located at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, the AOC Santenay is renowned for its red and white wines, which combine finesse and elegance. Known since Roman times for the quality of its wines, Santenay has preserved its winemaking heritage through the centuries. From estate to estate, the AOC Santenay promotes unique craftsmanship and offers wines with excellent value for Burgundy.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Santenay Appellation

Climate: The AOC Santenay benefits from a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, allowing for slow and complete ripening of the grapes. This appellation includes 12 Climats classified as Premier Cru.

Soils: The terroir of Santenay is characterized by a diversity of soils, combining clays, limestones, and marls, which give the wines of the appellation a particular complexity and aromatic palette. The limestone soils, in particular, bring a remarkable minerality and freshness to the wines of Santenay.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: Emblematic Grape Varieties of the AOC Santenay

In Santenay, as in the rest of Burgundy, Pinot Noir reigns supreme for red wines, offering fine wines with aromas of red and black fruits, and an elegant structure. Chardonnay, used for white wines, expresses all its splendor, with fresh, mineral, and sometimes floral wines, reflecting the richness of the Santenay terroir.

Style of AOC Santenay Wine

Red Wine: The red wines of Santenay have a ruby ​​color, with aromas of cherry, raspberry, sometimes nuanced with spicy or floral notes. The palate is structured, with fine tannins and a beautiful length, suggesting good aging potential.

White Wine: The white wines have a light golden color, with an expressive nose of white flowers, citrus fruits, and minerality. On the palate, the balance between refreshing acidity and roundness makes these white wines very versatile at the table.

Best Food Pairings with AOC Santenay Wine

Follow our guide for the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of white or red wine from a domain or château in AOC Santenay:

Red Wine: Lacquered duck, roasted capon, veal chop with mushrooms.

White Wine: Fish gratin, "bouchée à la reine" (queen's bite - a puff pastry shell filled with cream sauce and various ingredients), Burgundy snails.