Volnay
1er Cru Santenots
Situated in the Cote de Beaune, the Volnay vineyards have enjoyed a solid reputation since the 9th Century.
These wines were enjoyed by the Dukes of Burgundy and Kings of France - that says it all !
Origin
Contrary to its name, “Les Santenots” is not located in the village of Volnay, but in Meursault, just to the south. Though best known for its white wines, certain terroirs, such as Les Santenots, located mid-hill, happen to be better adapted to bringing out all the finesse the Pinot Noir grape has to offer.
Several hypotheses exist concerning the name of this locality: "Santenots" may come from the Latin SENTES "brambles, thorny bushes". It may also be derived, as was the name of the village of Santenay, from the Gaulish SENTU "way" (alluding to the roads that passed through there to link Auxey-Duresses with the Roman road). It could also refer to 2 “ouvrées” (=1/12 hectare) of vines in La Sautenot (that could have been located in the Les Santenots area), that the Abbess of the Tart Abbey gave to the Abbey of Cîteaux in 1218.
Viticulture
Grape variety: pinot noir
Soils: brown marls and small pebbles.
Orientation: East
Surface area under vine: 0.9 ha
Pruning: Guyot system
Yield: 48 hL/ha
Average age of the vines: 65 years old.
