Santenay Clos de Malte

Santenay lies at the southern tip of the Côte de Beaune – far enough from Meursault and Volnay to often be overlooked, yet close enough to benefit from the same limestone and clay-marl soils. It is here that Louis Jadot cultivates the Clos de Malte , a monopoly vineyard that has belonged to the house for decades.

Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy's most renowned négociants: founded in Beaune in 1859, it has been under American family ownership since 1985, but is still managed by Burgundian cellar masters. The Clos de Malte is made exclusively from Pinot Noir and aged in oak barrels – typical of the house, which prioritizes structure and aging potential over early accessibility.

In the glass, the wine displays the classic profile of a southern Côte de Beaune red: aromas of dark cherry and blackberry, accompanied by a subtle spiciness of clove and cedar from the oak aging. The tannins are firm but not harsh – with a little aeration, they open up to a rounded, earthy texture. The finish is long and dry.

• Dishes: Rack of lamb with herb crust, entrecôte or aged Comté
• Temperature: 16–17 °C, preferably open an hour beforehand
• Drinking window: now until 2028