Santenay, at the southern end of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, is home to a dozen Premier Cru vineyards. The Santenay appellation mainly produces red wines of Pinot Noir, which vary in style based on where they are grown. Ancient upheaval in the hillsides left pockets of differing soil types around town – some producing rich, intensely flavored wines, others making lighter-bodied styles. (Santenay is a geologic hot spot in more ways than one. Thermal springs and spas are another of the village’s attractions.) A small amount of Santenay white wines are made from Chardonnay. These are lively wines that share many fine qualities with the stellar Chardonnays produced in nearby Chassagne-Montrachet.
