Chateau de la Maltroye, Santenay 1er Cru La Comme Rouge 2021

Winery Background and History

Château de la Maltroye is a historic Burgundy estate located in Chassagne-Montrachet, with origins dating back to the 18th century. The château itself was constructed in 1740 and has long been associated with traditional Burgundian winemaking. The estate gained prominence under the Cournut family, who have owned and managed it since the early 20th century. Over generations, they have expanded vineyard holdings across prestigious appellations including Chassagne-Montrachet and Santenay. The domaine is known for its commitment to terroir expression, producing both white and red wines that reflect the nuanced characteristics of their vineyard sites.

Producer and Wine Maker

The estate is managed by Jean-Pierre Cournut, with winemaking now led by his son Arnaud Cournut, representing the latest generation of the family. Arnaud has modernized certain aspects of production while preserving the traditional Burgundian philosophy of minimal intervention. His approach focuses on precision viticulture and careful cellar work to highlight vineyard identity. Under his direction, the wines have gained greater refinement and consistency, balancing concentration with elegance. The team prioritizes sustainable vineyard practices and meticulous grape selection, ensuring only high-quality fruit is used in production, reinforcing the domaine’s reputation for producing expressive and terroir-driven wines.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Santenay 1er Cru La Comme vineyard is located on the northern edge of Santenay, bordering Chassagne-Montrachet, which contributes to its higher quality potential. The site benefits from a favorable east and southeast exposure, allowing optimal sunlight while maintaining freshness. Soils are composed of limestone and marl, ideal for Pinot Noir, providing both structure and minerality. The vineyard sits on a gentle slope that ensures excellent drainage, reducing vine stress and enhancing concentration in the grapes. The microclimate is slightly cooler than lower Santenay sites, resulting in wines with more finesse, aromatic complexity, and balanced acidity.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure only the best fruit is used. Fermentation typically takes place in open-top vats with a combination of indigenous and selected yeasts. Gentle extraction methods such as punch-downs and pump-overs are used to preserve elegance and avoid over-extraction. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, with a moderate proportion of new oak to add structure without overpowering the fruit. Aging usually lasts around 12 to 15 months, allowing the wine to develop complexity and integrate tannins. The approach emphasizes balance, purity, and expression of terroir.

Tasting Notes

This wine displays a refined and elegant profile, characteristic of high-quality Santenay Premier Cru. Aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry are complemented by subtle floral notes and hints of spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity, providing structure and freshness. Layers of red fruit are intertwined with earthy undertones, mineral nuances, and a touch of oak-derived complexity such as vanilla and toast. The finish is long and precise, showcasing balance and finesse. With some bottle age, it develops additional depth, including notes of forest floor and dried fruit.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes due to its balance of acidity, tannin, and fruit. Classic pairings include roasted poultry such as duck or chicken, especially with herb or mushroom-based sauces. It also complements pork dishes, including roasted pork loin or braised pork belly. Game meats like quail or venison enhance its earthy complexity. For lighter options, grilled salmon or tuna work well, highlighting the wine’s freshness. Soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert, as well as semi-hard cheeses like Comté, are excellent matches. The wine’s versatility makes it suitable for both elegant dining and casual meals.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

Pinot Noir 100%