Wines Santenay René Lequin-Colin - Les Hâtes - 2021

Viniou Reviews

René Lequin-Colin’s Santenay Les Hâtes 2021 is a classic expression of Côte de Beaune Pinot Noir. The wine, produced from the village of Santenay, is made exclusively from Pinot Noir, showcasing the grape’s delicacy and aromatic finesse. The 2021 vintage, shaped by a cooler growing season, typically offers refined freshness and crisp acidity, emphasising red fruit character such as cherry and raspberry, with subtle floral undertones, mild spice, and a touch of earthiness that is so characteristic of the terroir. The Les Hâtes cuvée reflects careful vineyard management and gentle vinification, preserving the purity of fruit and elegant tannins. Gentle extraction during fermentation and moderate use of oak accentuate the wine’s vibrancy and supple mouthfeel.

The Côte de Beaune is revered for its geological diversity, with Santenay’s vineyards lying towards the southern end of the Côte d’Or. The soils here feature a mix of limestone and marl with a proportion of clay, providing the ideal environment for expressive, structured Pinot Noir. Santenay is historically renowned for producing firmer, more rustic reds than its northern neighbours, but advances in viticulture and winemaking bring about ever more aromatic finesse and charm to its wines. The region benefits from a semi-continental climate, with warm, sunny summers and brisk, cool nights that ensure a balance of ripeness and freshness.

Santenay Les Hâtes 2021 makes a versatile companion at the table. Its subtle structure and lively acidity make it a lovely pairing with classic Burgundian dishes like coq au vin, oeufs en meurette, or roasted duck breast with cherries. It also complements roast poultry, grilled salmon, earthy mushroom dishes, and mild cow’s milk cheeses such as Cîteaux or Saint-Nectaire. For a regional touch, consider it with jambon persillé or rabbit terrine.

Serve this wine slightly cool, around 15-16°C, to highlight its aromatics and freshness while allowing its delicate texture to express fully. Decanting for 30 minutes is beneficial for young vintages to soften any youthful edges, revealing the full spectrum of fragrances and flavours. This Pinot Noir promises enjoyment now yet will also evolve gracefully over the next five years.