Bruno Colin : Santenay 1er cru "Les Gravières" 2023

The elegance and mineral tension of a Santenay Premier Cru

The Estate

Descended from a long line of winegrowers from the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, Bruno Colin founded his own estate in 2004, following the division of the family land. Now at the helm of the estate, Bruno Colin manages a fragmented vineyard of 8.75 hectares spread across five prestigious villages. The winemaker stands out for his philosophy centered on respecting the identity of each terroir, favoring mineral tension and elegance in his wines through mechanical soil work and sustainable viticulture.

The Vineyard

Located in the southernmost part of the Côte de Beaune, the Climat of Santenay stretches across the middle of the slope. The vines, planted in 1988 and cultivated according to organic farming principles, thrive on a distinctive terroir. The soils consist of a sandy-clay and limestone surface, resting on depths rich in angular gravel. This particular geology ensures optimal drainage while retaining water reserves, giving the wine its characteristic tension.

The Vintage

The year 2023 stands as the hottest ever recorded in Burgundy, marked by high temperatures from winter dormancy onward and throughout the growing cycle. However, the generous water reserves accumulated in the soils during the previous winter allowed the vines to continue their development without experiencing water stress. The harvest, carried out in September amid intense heat, required great precision to pick the berries at optimal ripeness.

Winemaking and Aging

After hand-harvesting and rigorous sorting, the grapes for this Santenay 1er Cru "Les Gravières" 2023 are fully destemmed. A cold maceration precedes fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, punctuated by gentle pumping-overs for a gentle extraction. The wine is then aged for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels (25% new). Finally, the blend rests for 4 to 6 months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled at the estate.

Grape Variety

100% Pinot Noir.

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the Santenay 1er Cru "Les Gravières" 2023 Bruno Colin

Tasting

Color
A luminous ruby hue, wonderfully transparent, reveals itself in the glass.

Nose
With controlled intensity, the nose reveals aromas of red and black fruits (raspberry, blackcurrant) mingled with notes of violet, spice, and licorice. Subtle mineral, earthy, and toasted almond touches complete this refined bouquet.

Palate
The attack is direct and ample, dominated by black berry flavors. The mid-palate offers a supple texture with silky, perfectly integrated tannins. Medium-bodied, this wine extends into a lingering finish, underscored by a beautiful mineral tension.

Food and Wine Pairing

Thanks to its medium body and smooth tannins, this red wine proves highly versatile and will pair harmoniously with a wide variety of dishes.

Serving and Cellaring

This Santenay 1er Cru "Les Gravières" 2023 offers an approachable profile that allows it to be enjoyed in its youth, while possessing the structure needed for moderate cellaring.

Other Characteristics

To best preserve the wine's aromatic and taste qualities as it ages, the estate systematically seals its bottles with wax capsules, thereby limiting oxygen exchange.