Louis Jadot Santenay Clos de Malte 2022

Louis Jadot Santenay Clos de Malte 2022 is a refined white Burgundy that showcases Chardonnay from a rare monopole vineyard in the southern Côte de Beaune. Drawn from a single clos owned entirely by Louis Jadot, it offers both precision and generous texture, capturing the cooler, limestone-rich soils of Santenay. This cuvée is a distinctive counterpoint to its more famous neighbours in Chassagne-Montrachet, proving how serious and characterful Santenay Blanc can be.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Clos de Malte presents a pale to medium lemon colour with a subtle golden hue at the rim, hinting at its time in oak. The nose is immediately inviting, with ripe stone fruit and orchard notes—white peach, pear and yellow apple—wrapped in fresh lemon zest and a touch of grapefruit. Underneath sit delicate floral tones and discreet, well-judged oak: hints of vanilla, toasted hazelnut and a gentle creaminess. On the palate, the wine is lightly rounded and slightly creamy in texture, yet supported by a fine, linear acidity that keeps it lively and focused. Flavours of citrus (lemon and preserved lemon), crunchy pear and ripe apple are layered with subtle brioche, almond and a whisper of spice from the barrel ageing. The limestone and clay subsoils contribute a clean, mineral edge and a sense of structure, giving the wine both elegance and length. Enjoyable in its youth for its vibrant fruit and freshness, it also has the capacity to develop for 5–7 years from the vintage, gaining more complexity, nuttiness and honeyed notes with time in bottle.

Production
Clos de Malte is a 7-hectare monopole vineyard in Santenay, situated on the climat ‘Sous la Fée’ at the foot of the Montagne des Trois Croix in the southern Côte de Beaune. While the clos is predominantly planted to Pinot Noir, a small, carefully tended parcel of Chardonnay lies on cooler, moisture-retentive soils of limestone and clay—ideal for producing a finely balanced, terroir-driven white Burgundy. Grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to preserve freshness and aromatic finesse, then gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, allowing a natural integration of oak and fruit, followed by 12 months of maturation in small French oak barrels. This traditional Burgundian élevage adds texture and complexity without overwhelming the wine’s citrusy, mineral character.

Food & Serving
This Santenay Blanc is highly versatile at the table, pairing beautifully with dishes that echo its balance of richness and freshness. Try it with classic Burgundian fare such as roasted chicken with herbs, veal in a light cream or mushroom sauce, or pan-seared scallops and white fish with beurre blanc. It also complements creamy risottos, poultry terrines, and semi-hard cheeses like Comté or Gruyère. Serve well-chilled but not icy, ideally at 10–12°C, to allow the aromatics and texture to open up. A brief decant of 20–30 minutes or simply opening the bottle a little before serving can help the wine show more of its subtle oak and mineral nuances, especially in its first few years.

Producer
Founded in 1859, Maison Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy’s most respected and influential producers, renowned for its commitment to expressing the individuality of each village and vineyard. Based in the Côte d’Or and owning around 150 hectares of vines—about 70 hectares in the Côte d’Or alone—Jadot combines the roles of domaine and négociant-éleveur, with roughly 70% of its wines coming from its own estate vineyards. The house has long been a benchmark for reliable, terroir-focused Burgundy, offering everything from regional appellations to some of the region’s most prestigious Premier and Grand Cru sites. In Santenay and across the Côte de Beaune, Louis Jadot is recognised for its classical, balanced style: wines that are true to their origins, carefully crafted to age gracefully, and consistently admired by both critics and Burgundy enthusiasts worldwide.