René Lequin-Colin Santenay Vieilles Vignes 2021 is an evocative red wine crafted from old vine Pinot Noir, typical of the Côte de Beaune’s southernmost appellation. This wine shows a deep connection to its terroir; the “Vieilles Vignes” mention tells us the grapes are sourced from plots of mature vines, often over 40 years old, which contribute to the wine’s depth and complexity. The 2021 vintage in Burgundy was marked by a cool and challenging growing season, resulting in wines of refined freshness, notable aromatic precision, and a classical structure. In the cellar, the winemaking respects tradition, favouring gentle extraction and aging, often in a proportion of used oak barrels, allowing the nuanced fruit and earthy minerality to shine through.
The Santenay vineyard area lies at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune, an area renowned for producing reds with more body than those from further north, yet always retaining the hallmark elegance of Pinot Noir. The local terroir is dominated by limestone-rich soils with clay and marl, influential in building the wine’s tension and subtle minerality. Santenay is also known for its more robust and rustic style, owed to its slightly warmer microclimate and the balance between sun and hillside vineyards. The Bourgogne region itself boasts centuries of viticultural history, with a profound cultural heritage underpinning the quality of its cuvées.
For the best gastronomic experience, pair this Santenay Vieilles Vignes with classic Burgundian dishes like coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, or a platter of charcuterie and earthy mushrooms. Roast duck, herbed pork tenderloin, or even grilled salmon with root vegetables are also excellent companions, highlighting both the wine’s fruit-driven charm and its savoury undertones.
This wine will benefit from being served slightly cool, ideally at 15-16°C, and can be enjoyed young for its lively energy or cellared a few years for more evolved, silky textures. A gentle decantation will help it open and reveal its full aromatic spectrum.
