2021 Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligoté "Champ Forey", Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Champ means field. The land must have belonged to a family named Forey.

The fruit is from a very small plot, 0.3 ha (0.74 ac). 100% Aligoté that was planted from 1932 to 1961. The vineyard sits ar 250-meters elevation, facing east with gravelly limestone soils.

Certified organic, biodynamic methods. Vinification uses a vertical press, indigenous yeast fermentation. Aged for 12 months in older oak barrels, low sulfur additions at bottling.

Only 75 cases of this cuvée are produced each year.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Sylvain Pataille is one of those rare vignerons whose hard work and dedication has elevated the overall quality and public perception of the wines in his village. Sylvain, and his brother Laurent, now farm 15 hectares of vineyards located exclusively in Marsannay. They have been pushing hard to designate some of the special terroir there as 1er Cru, and it will likely happen soon. When you shake Sylvain's hands you are reminded that these are hands that work really hard! They are rough as sandpaper because he is out in the vineyards 11 months of the year. Sylvain is also a very talented chemist who so excelled at his classes in Bordeaux that he in the consulting enologist at 15 or so great domaines in Burgundy including Domaine Roumier in Chambolle-Musigny and Chateau de la Tour in Clos Vougeot. He is very passionate and devoted to his domaine in Marsannay which he built from nothing. His first vintage was in 1999. Like Bruno Clair he is an indefatigable champion of the village of Marsannay.