Santenay French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Santenay is the southernmost major village of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, a spa town producing sturdy, fruity Pinot Noir reds and fresh Chardonnay whites at excellent value.
More info about Santenay
Geographic position
Eastern France, in the Côte-d'Or department, about 18 km southwest of Beaune, next to Chassagne-Montrachet to the north and the Maranges to the southwest, below the Mont de Sene (Montagne des Trois Croix).
Origin & history
Santenay's thermal springs were used since Gallo-Roman times, and the town later became a small spa resort. Vines have been cultivated here since antiquity, and the Philippe le Hardi castle recalls the Dukes of Burgundy. Santenay became an AOC in 1937 and has 13 Premier Cru climats, including Les Gravières and La Comme.
Wines & grape varieties
Mostly red from Pinot Noir, with notes of cherry, blackcurrant, plum and spice and firm tannins; whites from Chardonnay show citrus, white flowers and hazelnut with a mineral finish.
Climate & soil
Semi-continental climate. Very varied limestone and marl soils, with gravel on Les Gravières and complex faults that create many different terroirs.
Wine region: Burgundy
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir