Located at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune, Santenay was known in Gallo-Roman times for its hot springs. The spring “Santinae aquae” (healing water) gave the village its name.
“Clos Rousseau” is located in the extreme southwest of the appellation, bordering “Les Maranges.” “Rousseau” is a common surname in Burgundy, even today, and is said to have been the name of the original owner.
The nose reveals fresh notes of red fruit (cherry, raspberry…), flowers (peony, rose…) and spices. The fleshy, full-bodied palate is supported by bold but round tannins. A wine with character, but which still boasts a great deal of elegance along with a long, highly aromatic finish.
Taste this wine with roasted or stewed red and white meat or with medium cheeses.
Recipe suggestion: roast duck with orange and spices
Serve at 15-16°C (59-61°F).
Aging potential: 3 to 5 years and more.
Maison Albert Bichot, Santenay “1’er Cru Clos Rousseau” 2022
The scent is extremely intense and fruity with aromas of blackcurrants, plums and cherries, as well as notes of white pepper. It is a characterful and full-bodied wine, which has a good structure. The finish is persistent and fruity.
The Maison Albert Bichot wine company was founded by Bernard Bichot in 1831 in the small town of Monthelie. Today, the sixth generation runs the company, which is based in Beaune just outside the city walls. Bichot represents fields all over Burgundy, and is today one of the largest Burgundy exporters. Furthermore, Bichot owns the six highly respected Domaines: Domaine Long-Depaquit in Chablis, Domaine Adélie in Mercurey, Domaine du Clos Frantin and Château Gris in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Domaine du Pavillon in Pommard, and Domaine de Rochegrès in Moulin-a- Wait.
Over the past few years, Maison Albert Bichot has gone through a generational change, not only in the management of the company, which is currently handled by Alberic Bichot, but also in the entire structure around viticulture and vinification. From previously growing and producing largely all wines centrally from Beaune, today teams of vintners have been created who are specialists in the production of wine – whether in Chablis, Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits or elsewhere . Likewise, production takes place on the domains before the finished wines are brought to the cellars in Beaune, from where they are packed and sent out to all corners of the world.
The municipality of Santenay is located in the southern part of the Côte de Beaune. The soil here is more similar to that found in the Côte de Nuits than the Côte de Beaune, and this gives the Santenay wines plenty of strength and sometimes a slightly rustic style. The vineyards cover an area of approx. 378 hectares and 124 hectares of vineyards produce very nice and characterful wines with Premier Cru status, including Clos Rousseau.
