Domaine Matrot Volnay 1er Cru Santenots 2023

This Volnay 1er Cru comes from Les Santenots, a premier cru plot on the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, eastern France, made by Domaine Matrot from their base in Meursault. Santenots sits on the boundary between Volnay and Meursault, a site better known for white wine, which lends its reds an unusual finesse. The grape is Pinot Noir from vines over 30 years old, rooted in the clay-limestone soils that define the Côte d'Or; the limestone gives drive and minerality while the older vines yield small, concentrated berries. Farming is sustainable. The fruit is fermented and then aged 15 months in oak barrels followed by three months in tank, the barrel ageing softening the tannins and adding subtle spice and a fine texture through gentle oxygen exchange, without burying the fruit. The colour is a bright medium ruby. The nose shows red cherry and wild strawberry, fresh earth, a floral rose note and a thread of sweet oak. The palate is elegant and finely structured, the limestone showing as freshness and a savoury, mineral close rather than weight. Serve at 16 degrees in a large Burgundy glass. It is a classic partner for roast duck and game birds.