Joseph Drouhin : Santenay Village 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Santenay Village 2023 by Joseph Drouhin

Tasting

Colour
The wine reveals a deep ruby colour, characteristic of fruit harvested at fine ripeness.

Nose
Intense and expressive, the aromatic bouquet opens with notes of forest fruits such as blackberry, blueberry and lingonberry. It then gains depth with hints of strawberry and raspberry, delicately underscored by a subtle touch of herbs and spices.

Palate
The attack reveals a firm tannic structure that promises to soften gracefully over time. Both smooth and persistent, the palate unfolds delicious notes of grenadine and pomegranate, culminating in a long finish with a noble, gentle bitterness.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs perfectly with roasted or grilled meats such as rib of beef, veal in sauce, or poultry such as duck or guinea fowl. It is also a wonderful match for game birds, as well as terrines or fine charcuterie.

Serving and cellaring

To fully enjoy the Santenay Village 2023, serve it at 16°C, having opened the bottle one to two hours beforehand. This wine will be at its best between 2028 and 2031, and can be cellared until around 2033.

The richness and elegance of a red wine from the Côte de Beaune

The estate

Founded in Beaune in 1880, Maison Joseph Drouhin is a leading figure in Burgundy. Begun by Joseph, the story of this house is founded on a constant pursuit of harmony and respect for the terroir. Today, the fourth generation runs this family estate under the presidency of Frédéric Drouhin. A pioneer of large-scale biodynamic viticulture, the house crafts wines of great finesse across a wide range of appellations. Combining a prestigious heritage with a modern vision, Joseph Drouhin is the very embodiment of excellence in its region.

The vineyard

Located at the southern tip of the Côte de Beaune, the Santenay appellation lies on clay-limestone terroirs that are particularly well suited to growing vines. The soils, made up of alternating layers of marl and hard limestone, give the grapes great complexity. For this cuvée, the fruit comes from carefully selected plots belonging to partner growers who follow a very strict set of specifications laid down by the house.

The vintage

2023 stands out as one of the hottest years the region has ever experienced, surpassing even the temperatures of the previous year. Despite this intense heat, the growing season produced generous and consistent yields. The weather conditions encouraged excellent phenolic ripeness in the berries, resulting in healthy, rich and perfectly balanced fruit.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand into small perforated crates to preserve the integrity of the berries. After sorting where necessary, the grapes are fully destemmed. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts and maceration last two to three weeks in small open vats, punctuated by punching down and pumping over. The grapes are then gently pressed in a vertical press. Finally, the Santenay Village 2023 is aged for 12 to 16 months in French oak barrels, 20% of which are new oak that has been air-dried for three years.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir