Viniou Reviews
The Arnaud Baillot Santenay Premier Cru Cuvée Les Grandes Lignes 2021 is a splendid representation of Burgundy's distinguished winemaking heritage. This red wine, crafted from the iconic Pinot Noir grape, embodies the elegance and finesse characteristic of the Côte de Beaune. The 2021 vintage promises a fresh and vivid profile, with a fine balance between acidity and ripe tannins. The Premier Cru designation speaks to the quality of the vineyard site, where the combination of limestone and clay soils offers the perfect environment for Pinot Noir to express its complexity. The absence of particularities in vinification suggests a traditional approach that respects the purity of the fruit and terroir.
The Côte de Beaune region, renowned for its complex and aromatic wines, benefits from a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The varied terroir, combined with meticulous vineyard management, produces wines that are elegant and expressive. Santenay, located at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune, is historically significant for its production of powerful yet refined wines, capturing the essence of the region's unique terroir.
When it comes to food pairings, the Arnaud Baillot Santenay Premier Cru 2021 is versatile. Its depth and structure make it an excellent match for roast poultry, such as duck or pheasant. It also pairs beautifully with richer dishes like beef bourguignon, a classic regional cuisine, or a mushroom risotto. The wine's vivid acidity and notes of red fruits can complement a variety of flavours and enhance the dining experience.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly chilled to temper the alcohol and accentuate its fruit-driven characteristics, ideally at a temperature of 14-16°C. Allowing the wine to breathe for a short time will enable its bouquet to flourish, revealing the nuances and layers that a Premier Cru meticulously holds.
