Wines Santenay Domaine Jessiaume - Les Gravières - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The 2022 Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Premier Cru “Les Gravières” is a striking red Burgundy hailing from the acclaimed Côte de Beaune subregion. Made entirely from Pinot Noir, this wine reflects the precision and care of organic viticulture. “Les Gravières” is one of Santenay’s most esteemed Premier Cru vineyards, its name indicative of the gravelly soils that significantly influence the character of the wine. The 2022 vintage benefited from a warm, balanced growing season, producing ripe yet elegantly vibrant fruit. Jessiaume’s traditional approach to vinification—gentle extraction, careful maturation in French oak—results in a wine that balances purity of fruit with subtle spice and minerality. In the glass, expect aromas of wild strawberries, red cherries, and hints of rose petal, underlined by earthy, mineral notes and a finely woven tannic structure.

Santenay sits at the southern tip of the Côte de Beaune, an area historically famed for its red Burgundies that pair the body and depth of southern vineyards with the finesse Burgundy is renowned for. The terroir here is a mosaic of limestone, clay, and particularly the gravels that give “Les Gravières” its name—encouraging drainage and lending freshness and structure to the wines. The region benefits from a semi-continental climate, marked by sunny summers and cool nights, fostering gradual ripening and expressive aromatics. Santenay has a centuries-long winemaking tradition, though its wines remain less opulent than those of northern appellations like Volnay, often favouring a more earthy and robust profile.

This style of Pinot Noir is exceptionally versatile at the table. Traditional Burgundian fare such as coq au vin or duck breast with cherries makes an excellent pairing. The wine’s freshness and finesse also shine alongside roast guinea fowl, herby rack of lamb, or mushroom risotto. For a cheese course, try it with creamy but mild cheeses such as Chaource or Saint-Marcellin.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for about 30 minutes before serving, and pour at a cool 15-16°C. This temperature will enhance both its lively fruit and subtle earthy nuances, making every glass a true reflection of its Premier Cru pedigree.