Santenay 1er Cru "Clos des Mouches" Red 2019 - Domaine Françoise & Denis Clair

Domaine Françoise & Denis Clair: Santenay's Winemaking Haute Couture

Founded in 1986, Domaine Françoise & Denis Clair has, over the decades, risen to become one of the most respected elites in the Santenay and Saint-Aubin appellations. Today, supported by their son Jean-Baptiste, the family estate meticulously cultivates approximately 15 hectares of vines. The estate is unanimously celebrated for the unwavering consistency of its production and its winemaking philosophy focused on purity, delicacy, and respect for the fruit. Far from massive extractions and excessive oak, the Clair family seeks to reveal the most elegant, refined, and silky side of Pinot Noir, thus offering wines of great digestibility and sovereign balance from their youth, while preserving magnificent aging potential.

Premier Cru "Clos des Mouches": A Geological Limestone Gem

It is crucial not to confuse this climat with its famous namesake located in Beaune! Santenay's Premier Cru "Clos des Mouches" is a confidential and exceptional terroir located on the upper part of the appellation's hillside. The soil here is particularly thin, composed of hard Jurassic limestone, white marl, and stony debris that capture the day's heat. The term "mouches" historically referred to the bees that sought shelter there due to the optimal exposure and warmth of the place. This unique terroir imparts an ethereal texture, superb taut minerality, and floral delicacy (violet, peony) to the wine, rarely found in Santenay's more robust climats.

The 2019 Vintage: The Perfect Balance Between Richness and Freshness

The 2019 vintage is praised in Burgundy for its unique ability to combine great fruit ripeness with superb internal vibrancy. With a brilliant, clear, and pure ruby hue, this Santenay 1er Cru Clos des Mouches 2019 opens with a charming and complex nose of fresh red fruits (wild raspberry, redcurrant), rosebuds, and sweet spices. On the palate, the attack is supple and caressing. The wine unfolds with elegance, supported by a framework of fine, powdery tannins. The ripe, rich, and juicy fruit is beautifully extended by a chalky mineral tension that brings superb freshness to the finish. A gourmet wine, vibrant with energy.

Bottle Condition and Storage Conditions

• Liquid Level: Perfect, no leakage, high-quality original cork.
• Color / Appearance: Brilliant, clear hue, no signs of fatigue or premature aging.
• Label: Absolutely impeccable, clean, no snags or stains.
• Capsule: Perfect, intact, perfect alignment with the neck.
• Overall Condition: A bottle in pristine condition, carefully preserved since its origin at the estate in our air-conditioned cellar at a constant temperature (12°C) and controlled humidity.

Serving Suggestions

Ideally served at a temperature of 15°C. This fine wine will pair wonderfully with delicate dishes that will not mask its finesse: pork tenderloin with prunes, veal quasi with morels, roasted duck, roasted squab, or uncooked pressed cheeses (farm Reblochon, Saint-Nectaire).