2021 Sylvain Pataille, ‘Clos du Roy’ Marsannay Rouge, 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: Pinot Noir from a top site, single vineyard located in the commune of Chenôve, in the northernmost part of the Marsannay appellation.

Soil: gravelly iron-rich soil with limestone bedrock

Winemaking: whole cluster fermented with indigenous yeast, aged in barrel for 18 months, 6 months in stainless steel with minimal sulfur at bottling.