Santenay Wine Region

Santenay wine region is the southernmost wine growing commune of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy and it has its own appellation. Santenay wine region is known for its lighter styles of Pinot Noir. This region produces mostly red wine and red wine made from Pinot Noir. There is a small quantity of white wine which come from the grape Chardonnay. The wine from the Santenay region has different styles, techniques, and tastes that you can not find anywhere in France. We highly recommend visiting this region - you'll have a lot of good wine experiences.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Santenay Wine Region

Where is Santenay Wine Region

To the south of the Côte de Beaune is Santenay in the heart of the vineyards. It is bordered by Saint Jean de Narosse and has many old mansions and medieval châteaus .

History of Santenay

Santenay, who is an AOC for more than four decades, has been recognized as one of the top in the industry. The Côte de Beaune is the most popular appellation for the red Burgundy wine made in France's Burgundy region. In the 1970s, this wine was not popular among consumers due to smaller yields and alcohol levels, but has since gained widespread popularity. With the recent financial recession and the change toward fresh wines in the market, Burgundy's less expensive varieties like Santenay have gained attention.

Terrior of Santenay

Santenay has a continental climate, with warm summers and cool, long winters. It's exposed to westerly winds which would normally make it feel quite chilly during the winter months. Greyish limestones are used to occupy the high ground up to a height of 500 meters. Lower down the slope, starting at the 300-metre line, are oolitic limestones, white oolite, marls, kidney-shaped limestones and lower oolites on a layer of marl. The location of the vineyards sits higher and has beautiful exposures between East and South.

Santenay Characteristics 

Santenay produces mainly red wine from the Pinot Noir grape. The color is a dark but brilliant black-cherry. The bouquet has nuances of delicate peony, violet, and red fruits that contrast with the liquorice vodka. The attack is also intense but so smooth and deep tasting at the same time. Firm tannins with a distinctive woody aroma are the hallmark of this red wine. The finish is long, herbaceous and refreshingly crisp. White wine (Chardonnay) is light, crisp and aimed for those who enjoy lighter fare. There is a vibrant scent of citrus fruit that makes it one of the most popular choices.

Food to pair with Santenay

1. Vichyssoise

Some say the soup is a French creation, while others claim it is an American invention. In terms of quality, it serves its purpose as a hearty meal. Although many feel that the soup was actually invented by French chef Jules Gouffe, others feel that Louis Diat, a French chef who worked at the New York Ritz-Carlton, is the original creator. Inspired by the potato and leek soup of his childhood, he named the soup Creme Vichyssoise after his hometown of Vichy. Soup is traditionally served cold and often garnished with fresh chopped chives. It pairs well with Santenay wines.

2. Quiche Florentine

Quiche Florentine is a French dish with Italian influences. It's most well-known as a pasty pie consisting of a pastry crust that is filled with eggs, milk, cheese, spinach and herbs such as rosemary and thyme. It can be seasoned with black pepper and nutmeg. Quiche Florentine is a breakfast, brunch, or festive dish that is recommended that you let rest for ten minutes before serving. Quiche Florentine goes well with Santenay wines.

3. En papillote

A French cooking technique, En papillote involves wrapping food in parchment paper. This type of cooking requires moisture and can have great variations depending on what you're cooking. Some dishes that are typically cooked this way are chicken wrapped in bacon, fish with wine sauce, and beef tenderloin with mushrooms.

This unique cooking method helps trap steam inside the paper packets, allowing for the food to cook in its juices and retain all the flavors, aromas, and nutrients. Food prepared this way comes out moist. Traditionally, food is surrounded in parchment paper. However, it might also be found wrapped or enclosed in aluminum foil or paper bags instead. En papillote pairs well with Santenay wines.

Places to visit near Santenay

1. Parc de la Bouzaize

The Bouzaize Park, created in 1883, is a 5-hectare park located west of the city center. It’s listed on the French National Heritage List since 1949. The park is created over a body of water and in the center to form one large circle.

2. Musée du Vin de Bourgogne

The museum is a place of history and it strives to show off the richness of Burgundy wine. It's one UNESCO World Heritage site, so you know the museum does its part! In 1946, the Duke of Burgundy became the first museum in the world to exclusively dedicate itself to a specific topic. Today, we can still visit it, get a taste of Burgundy's illustrious past, and learn about its emblematic history.

3. Belfry

Belfries are structures that cover towers holding bells. They're typically used in places like churches, towns, and castle keeps. In continental Europe they're composed of a tower with a city hall on the top.

Frequently asked questions about Santenay Wine Region