2022 Sylvain Pataille - Bourgogne Rouge

The Producer

Sylvain Pataille is one of Burgundy's most singular and energetic figures — born and bred in Marsannay though not from a winemaking family, having built his 17-hectare domaine from scratch starting with just one hectare in 1999. His holdings span some of the finest terroirs in Marsannay, tended biodynamically. His passion for growing grapes and making wine is unmatched, and he is a consulting enologist to some of the biggest names in the Côte d'Or. His approach to winemaking is one of minimal intervention. 

The Wine

This Bourgogne Rouge comes from three hectares of 50-year-old vines, among the oldest in his portfolio. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts in fibreglass, with three weeks of skin contact to extract depth, texture, and complexity. A long élevage in old barriques follows, allowing the wine to develop layers and elegance without any imposition of new oak

Tasting Notes

The 2022 Bourgogne Rouge has a delineated and attractive bouquet, a little backward initially but opening with brambly red fruit and forest floor scents. The palate has a real "crunch" to it — more of a textural Pinot than one with obvious fruit. 

The nose opens with arctic berries, bramble and dark plums, layered with autumn forest floor and black spices — a complex and deeply expressive combination that speaks of old vines and meticulous farming. On the palate it is precise and focused, with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. 

The 2022 Vintage

Chez Pataille turned out yet another successful vintage for 2022. The growing season had a difficult start with a massive June storm, but in Sylvain's words, it "proved to be our salvation because otherwise the super-hot and dry conditions would have caused the vines to shut down completely."