Sarah Marsh Volnay 1er Cru Santenots 2018

Santenots is a highly regarded 1er cru in Volnay. The fruit for this cuvée comes from Nicolas Rossignol’s two hectare parcel, which is divided into three sections according to soil type. The top half on the Volnay side is stonier, closer to the Bathonian limestone bedrock, making tight, mineral and vigorous Santenots. As the soil becomes sandier towards Meursault the vines- which are the oldest- make supple, elegant, refined and lighter wine. The third section is below, the clay soils produce softer and richer wines. His vineyard stands out for the high and healthy canopies, which his grandfather initially encouraged him to grow. Nicolas has a pragmatic approach to viticulture and takes elements from biodynamic viticulture that work for him; the lunar calendar is followed for pruning. The vineyard management is a labour of love: his focus is firmly on the life and energy of the soils. They are lightly ploughed and the fruit is hand-harvested.

Gentle micro vinification: the grapes were put into the bottom of a small 1,000 litre tank and enveloped in an insulation blanket. 35% whole bunch was included to give some floral complexity and freshness. The cap was rinsed for the first five days by extracting a bucket of juice and pouring gently over the cap. One remontage; and pigeage on the 8th and 9th days, any further extraction was by very gentle pigeage by foot – sinking onto the grapes, no stomping. Slow, wild yeast fermentation lasted 20 days, followed by maturation in Francois Frères and Seguin Moreau second and third fill French barriques, until the following winter. Three barrels made.