Domaine Sylvain Pataille Marsannay Rouge 2020

Considered by many to be one of Burgundy's rising stars, Sylvain Pataille’s domaine is located in Marsannay, just where the Cote D'Or begins. Sylvain enrolled in the school for winemakers at 14, then the technical diploma in viticulture and enology and finally, not satisfied, he graduated in oenology in Bordeaux. Having begun in 1999 with just 1 hectare at its foundation, the estate is now made up of 24. Sylvain has great respect for Marsannay lieux-dits, and vinifies them separately to ensure their identity. He is in love with the Aligoté grape and he shows all its potential, but obviously he is also a fantastic interpreter of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a great personality. In the cellar, he works in the old-fashioned way, trying to use electricity as little as possible, soft pressing for whites and reds in large vertical presses, spontaneous fermentations without added sulfur, decanting without using pumps. The reds are almost exclusively vinified in whole bunches. All Sylvain Pataille wines age at least 2 winters in the cellar, except the Aligoté Classique which comes out after just one winter. Luminous sincerity, fresh and focused finesse are the hallmarks of these astounding wines

Location of the domaine: Marsannay-la-Côte, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy  Size: 15 ha (37.07 ac)

Varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Beurrot, Chardonnay Blanc, Chardonnay Rose, Aligoté Doré

Viticulture: Organic (certified Ecocert since 2008), biodynamic methods

Vinification: Some whole-cluster pressing, indigenous yeast fermentation, 15-30% new oak, low sulfur doses only at bottling

This Marsannay is made from 2.40 hectares (5.93 acres) with vines planted from 1950-1980. The terroir of the sites include multiple terroirs across the village appellation. This Pinot Noir is certified organic, and made with biodynamic methods, vinified with 30% whole-cluster, indigenous yeast fermentation and aged for 18 months in older oak barrels, low sulfur additions at bottling. Clean red fruit and purple flowers on the nose lead to more of the same in the mouth. This is silky and gentle with an ethereal style, perfect for those who enjoy an elegant, pure, light red wine.