2021 Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligoté, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

100% Aligoté Doré from vines that are 50 years old on average. The vines are located in 60% from Champ Forey (limestone and gravel soil), 40% from Auvonnes (clay, marl soil with small stones). Certified organic, biodynamic methods. Directly pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation (2/3 in older barrels, 1/3 in tank). Aged for 12 months, minimal sulfur, added only at bottling.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Sylvain Pataille is one of those rare vignerons whose hard work and dedication has elevated the overall quality and public perception of the wines in his village. Sylvain, and his brother Laurent, now farm 15 hectares of vineyards located exclusively in Marsannay. They have been pushing hard to designate some of the special terroir there as 1er Cru, and it will likely happen soon. When you shake Sylvain's hands you are reminded that these are hands that work really hard! They are rough as sandpaper because he is out in the vineyards 11 months of the year. Sylvain is also a very talented chemist who so excelled at his classes in Bordeaux that he in the consulting enologist at 15 or so great domaines in Burgundy including Domaine Roumier in Chambolle-Musigny and Chateau de la Tour in Clos Vougeot. He is very passionate and devoted to his domaine in Marsannay which he built from nothing. His first vintage was in 1999. Like Bruno Clair he is an indefatigable champion of the village of Marsannay.