Santenay Blanc (2022) 'Les Terrasses de Bievaux' - Justin Girardin

Aged for 12 months in 400 litre French oak barrels. Origin of the wood is Allier and Bertranges. 15% new oak. The grapes were pressed upon arrival at the winery. Fermentation with a low temperature to preserve fruit flavours. Alcoholic fermentation was started in vats to produce even fermentation, then when alcoholic fermentation was running the wine was transferred into barrels. Only natural yeasts were used to keep the charm and character of the wine.

Justin represents the 13th generation to operate the family estate of 17 hectares, from Santenay to Savigny-les-Beaune. Aware of the exceptional nature of these terroirs, he puts his know how at the service of the vines to produce the best wine each year.

On the northern heights of Santenay, the Terrasses de Bievaux are on the Bievaux climate, which names comes from a water source nearby. Bievaux comes from the latin word Bedus (the canal, waterway) and the Burgundian word vaus which means hilly, referring to the relief of the climate. After the phylloxera crisis in the 1900s, every single vine will be uprooted and the terrain abandoned. It was as recently as 1986 that Justin's grandfather started planting vines again on this steep hill. A rarity for Burgundy, the hill is terraced and divided into 6 small parcels. This colossal work was made to facilitate the harvest and exploitation.

Far up the hillside and very steep, the terroir is perfect for the Chardonnay. The soil is thin and covered with limestone marls. The woods nearby gives a refreshing microclimate. Because it is terraced, the southwest exposure effect is stronger and brings structure and concentration to the wine. Down the hill it is more clayey and suited for the red wines on a village AOC. To sum it up, it is the perfect harmony between the mineral freshness of the ground and the powerful aromas given by its location, with volume on the palate.

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