Wines Santenay Maison Roche de Bellene - Vieilles Vignes - 2022

Maison Roche de Bellene's Santenay "Cuvée Vieilles Vignes" 2022 is a Burgundy red that draws its character from mature vines, offering a nuanced and expressive profile typical of this southern Côte de Beaune appellation. While Pinot Noir is almost always the grape of choice for Santenay reds, the precise blend details for this cuvée are not explicitly confirmed, so it is wise to expect the elegant structure and red-fruited vibrancy that are hallmarks of the region’s wines made from old vines. The 2022 vintage, shaped by a relatively warm and generous growing season, likely yields a supple, approachable wine with ripe berry notes, subtle spice, and a certain silkiness in texture. The vinification approach of Maison Roche de Bellene tends towards minimal intervention, seeking to preserve purity of fruit, terroir expression, and freshness.

Santenay is one of the southernmost villages of the Côte de Beaune, an area famed for its gently sloping vineyards and diversity of limestone and marl soils. The local terroir gifts wines with a balance of structure and finesse; Santenay reds are generally celebrated for being a little more robust and earthy compared to some of their neighbours, yet still offering Burgundy’s trademark elegance. The region enjoys a semi-continental climate, with warm summers and cool autumns ideal for the slow, steady ripening of grapes. This, coupled with the rich historical tapestry of Burgundian winemaking, fosters wines of distinct character and aromatic depth.

In terms of food pairings, this Santenay Vieilles Vignes would pair beautifully with classic Burgundian dishes such as coq au vin or beef bourguignon, where the wine’s acidity and gentle tannins cut through rich sauces. Roast duck, wild mushroom risotto, or even a simple grilled pork loin would also make excellent companions. For a taste of the region, try with oeufs en meurette (poached eggs in red wine sauce) or local cheeses like Époisses.

To fully appreciate its aromatic expression and textural finesse, serve this wine slightly cool, ideally at 16-17°C. Decanting for around thirty minutes prior to serving can help open up its bouquet, especially in its youthful stage, allowing you to experience the full complexity on both nose and palate.