Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Rouge 2022

Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Rouge 2022 is a vibrant, terroir-driven Burgundy that overdelivers for its humble appellation. Crafted by one of Marsannay’s most respected vignerons, it captures the finesse, purity and energy that Pinot Noir lovers crave. This cuvée is a quintessential ‘insider’ Burgundy: approachable in its youth, yet thoughtfully made and distinctly Pataille in style. The unique selling point of this wine lies in its combination of serious, domaine-level viticulture with a classic Bourgogne Rouge designation, offering outstanding value from a top grower. Expect lifted aromatics, finely etched red fruit and a subtle wildness that speaks of low-intervention winemaking. Pataille has become a reference point in the northern Côte de Nuits over the past two decades, helping to re‑establish Marsannay and its surroundings as a source of characterful, ageworthy wines.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Bourgogne Rouge shows a bright, translucent ruby color with youthful purple highlights around the rim. It’s immediately inviting, with clarity and sheen that signal both freshness and careful handling. On the nose, this wine is distinctly Burgundian: aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry and raspberry are layered with notes of rose petals, dried herbs, and a hint of forest floor. Subtle spice, crushed stone and a whisper of whole-cluster perfume (think stemmy lift, floral and peppery tones) add complexity as it opens. The palate is silky and medium-bodied, with juicy red fruit at the core—cranberries, cherries and small woodland berries—wrapped in finely grained tannins. There’s a lovely interplay between ripe 2022 fruit and bright, mouthwatering acidity, giving the wine both charm and precision. Gentle earthy nuances, savory spice and a mineral edge linger through the finish, making each sip feel both refreshing and more-ish. While this Bourgogne Rouge is delicious and expressive now, especially with a short decant, it has the structure to evolve gracefully for 5–7 years from vintage in a good cellar. Over time, expect the fruit to become more ethereal and the earthy, sous‑bois notes to deepen.

Production
Sourced from carefully tended Pinot Noir vineyards in and around Marsannay, Pataille’s Bourgogne Rouge is strongly influenced by the cool, limestone‑rich soils and clay-limestone mixes typical of the northern Côte de Nuits. These soils, combined with the region’s temperate climate, give the wine its hallmark balance of tension and ripeness. The vines are farmed organically (and effectively biodynamically), with a strong focus on biodiversity and low yields to concentrate flavor. Harvest is done by hand, allowing strict sorting of the grapes both in the vineyard and at the winery. In the cellar, Pataille favors a low-intervention approach: a high proportion of whole clusters is often used for fermentation, contributing aromatic lift and fine-grained tannins. Native yeasts carry out fermentation, and extraction is gentle to preserve delicacy and precision. The wine is then aged in Burgundy barrels (usually with a modest proportion of new oak, if any), allowing it to develop texture and complexity without overwhelming the purity of the fruit, before being bottled with minimal handling and carefully controlled sulfites.

Food & Serving
This Bourgogne Rouge 2022 is extremely versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with roasted poultry (especially roast chicken or guinea fowl), charcuterie, grilled salmon or tuna, and classic Burgundian dishes like coq au vin or œufs en meurette. It also shines with mushroom-based plates—risotto with wild mushrooms, lentil dishes, or simple roasted root vegetables and herbs. Soft to semi-soft cheeses such as Brie, Reblochon or a young Comté are excellent companions. Serve at 14–16°C (57–61°F) to highlight its freshness and aromatic detail. For optimal expression, especially in the first few years after release, give it a light 30–45 minute decant to let the whole-cluster aromatics unfurl. Use a Burgundy bowl or a medium-sized red wine glass to fully enjoy the perfume and texture.

Producer
Sylvain Pataille established his domaine in Marsannay in the late 1990s and has since become one of the leading figures in this northern corner of the Côte de Nuits. Initially working as an oenologist and consultant, he gradually expanded his own holdings and converted them to organic and near‑biodynamic farming, long before it became fashionable in the region. Pataille is widely credited with helping to restore the reputation of Marsannay and its surrounding vineyards, proving that they can yield wines of real depth, finesse and longevity. His meticulous vineyard work, commitment to low-intervention winemaking and sensitive use of whole cluster fermentation have made his wines highly sought after by Burgundy enthusiasts. Today, the domaine is considered a benchmark for characterful, terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the north of Burgundy, with numerous critical accolades underscoring its importance in the region’s current renaissance.