Description: Volnay 1er Cru Santenots 2023 | Rougeot Père & Fils
The Volnay 1er Cru Santenots 2023 from Domaine Rougeot Père & Fils reflects the expertise of this family-run estate, which has been based in Meursault since the 1970s. What sets it apart is its terroir: the Les Santenots vineyard is located in the commune of Meursault, yet its red wines bear the Volnay 1er Cru appellation. This unique feature illustrates the richness of Burgundy’s terroirs. Since Pierre-Henri Rougeot joined his father Marc in 2010, the estate has gradually evolved its practices. It is taking a new step forward with the 2023 vintage, the first to receive Demeter certification, following a conversion process that began in 2021.
Terroir and Grape Variety
The Les Santenots vineyard is located north of Meursault, at an elevation of 240 meters, with an east-to-southeast exposure. Its brown clay-limestone soils, a mix of gravel and marl, rest on a limestone base that promotes drainage while maintaining depth. This terroir gives the Pinot Noir a beautiful structure and natural freshness. The exposure allows the grapes to ripen evenly, without excessive heat. The wine thus combines density and freshness, in a style typical of the Premier Crus of the Côte de Beaune.
Viticulture and Winemaking
Pierre-Henri Rougeot has been cultivating his vineyards using Demeter-certified biodynamic methods since 2023, with regular plowing. The grapes are harvested by hand. Fermentation takes place in truncated-cone tanks using indigenous yeasts for 15 to 18 days. Pumping over is gentle, without intensive punching down, to preserve the fruit. The wine is then aged for 18 months in oak barrels, 65% of which are used, to add structure without masking the aromas.
Volnay 1er Cru Santenots 2023 | Rougeot Père & Fils: The Sommelier’s Review
Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin
This vintage marks an important milestone for Rougeot Père & Fils, with its first Demeter-certified harvest. This Santenots stands out for its precision and balance. Still evolving, this Premier Cru will benefit from aging for a few years to reveal its full complexity. Allow for about 45 minutes of decanting and serve at 16°C to fully appreciate its character.
The Nose
The nose opens with wild berries, morello cherries, and a hint of lightly candied plum. Notes of violet and rose lend a delicate floral freshness, while pepper and clove subtly round out the bouquet. The overall impression remains fresh, refined, and harmonious.
Palate
On the palate, the attack is supple and delicate. The medium-bodied wine is supported by fine, silky tannins, while lively acidity brings freshness and balance. The finish lingers with fruity notes, enhanced by a hint of saltiness and spice. An elegant Volnay, full of finesse and harmony.
Volnay 1er Cru: Everything You Need to Know About This Appellation
Volnay is one of the iconic appellations of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy. Located between Pommard and Meursault, the village produces exclusively red wines made from Pinot Noir. Its limestone and clay-limestone soils yield refined and elegant wines with silky tannins and floral notes, supported by a lovely freshness. Often described as a “feminine” wine—in contrast to the more powerful profile of Pommard—Volnay stands out for its delicacy and balance. Its many Premier Crus rank among the most remarkable expressions of the Côte de Beaune.
The Les Santenots climat holds a special place. Located in the commune of Meursault, it bears the Volnay 1er Cru appellation for its red wines. The 2023 vintage from Rougeot Père & Fils is a fine example of this, combining the freshness and mineral tension of the terroir with Pierre-Henri Rougeot’s biodynamic approach.
en / €
Contact
.svg)
.svg)
