SAHN-tuh-nay. On most maps, Santenay is the last town in Burgundy’s famous Côte d’Or. Forever second fiddle to its famous neighbor Chassagne-Montrachet to the north, Santenay nonetheless produces excellent wines. With neither the staying power nor the tannic structure of wines from Chassagne, they are often far easier to enjoy young.
A case in point is Roger Belland’s Santenay 1er cru “Beauregard” rouge from 2013. Belland is known as one of the finest sources in the village — Clives Coates calls their wines “individual and stylish.” Belland’s reds are punchy and ripe, with tannins that are round and juicy rather than harsh. Readers who have picked up 2013 Belland’s red Maranges should love the 2013 red Santenay, which is similarly lively, but noticeably more elegant.
Crackling. Roger Belland and his daughter Julie represent the 5th and 6th generations of winemakers in their domaine. They have used no herbicides for more than 20 years, and their wines are careful, pure expressions of their origin. Many readers have enjoyed Belland’s white Santenay Beauregard in recent months; its red counterpart is drinking just as well, if not better.
The 2013 Beauregard rouge is more elegant than most Santenay. The nose is intense and bright, with red fruit and stony earth accompanied by spring flowers. The mouth is concentrated and long, with excellent balance and a clean, silky mouthfeel. This is a refined red Burgundy, to decant on a Sunday afternoon and serve with a roast of lamb or beef.
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BELLAND Santenay 1er “Beauregard” rouge 2013
Ansonia Retail: $40
case, half-case: $34/bot
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AVAILABLE IN 6- AND 12- BOTTLE LOTS
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or call Tom: (617) 249-3657
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