2021 Sylvain Pataille, ‘Clos du Roy’ Aligoté, Marsannay, Burgundy, France

Producer: In 1999 Sylvain started his domaine, soon after joined by his oenologist brother Laurent, together they farm 15 hectares of vines in Marsannay, some plowing by horse. He is an advocate for the Aligoté Doré grape, producing over 5 different cuvees using Aligoté all from various sites. He is a leader in organic & biodynamic viticulture, and is a consultant for many other estates. Pataille produces wine in a classic style with a natural approach in the cellar.

Place: in the village appellation of Marsannay, at the north edge of the Côte de Nuits subregion of Burgundy.

Varietal: Aligoté Doré from the ‘Clos du Roy’ or ‘the king’s vineyard’ it is the northernmost parcel in the Marsannay appellation.

Soil: gravel – iron rich soil

Winemaking: fermentation with indigenous yeast, aged for 24 months in old barrels, low sulfur at bottling