Sylvain Pataille

History of Domaine Sylvain Pataille

The history of Domaine Sylvain Pataille is the captivating story of a passion that has evolved since the man's own youth. Trained as a consulting oenologist, Sylvain Pataille began his winemaking journey in 1999 by taking on one hectare of vines on a lease. His ambition: to create Burgundy wines that reveal elegance and authenticity, specifically within the Marsannay appellation.

Over the years, the estate has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from 2 to 4 hectares between 2000 and 2011, until Sylvain Pataille's permanent move to the estate in 2011. The cultivated area reached 10 hectares in 2002, and the estate now oversees a vineyard of 17 hectares since 2008, with a conversion to organic farming certified by Ecocert.

Terroir and Characteristics of the Vines at Domaine Sylvain Pataille

The vineyards of Domaine Sylvain Pataille, spread over 17 hectares, embody a deep respect for the soils and the grapes. The terroir of Marsannay, with its climate, its clay-limestone soil, and its ideal exposure, offers the perfect setting for cultivating grapes of exceptional quality. The commitment to organic farming since 2008 reflects the estate's determination to preserve the natural balance and richness of the terroir.

Manual harvesting and gentle pressing are the preferred practices, underscoring the estate's commitment to preserving the intrinsic quality of the grapes. Barrel ageing, with a proportion of new oak limited to 30%, extends over 15 to 18 months, allowing the unique characteristics of the terroir to express themselves fully in the wines.

Winemaking at Domaine Sylvain Pataille

Winemaking at Domaine Sylvain Pataille is an ode to simplicity and purity. Traditional methods, with as little intervention as possible, are favoured. Gentle pressing, natural fermentation and a minimal use of inputs characterise the process, aiming to preserve the very essence of the grape.

Wine Profiles of Domaine Sylvain Pataille

The cuvées of Domaine Sylvain Pataille, whether white, red or rosé, reflect exceptional delicacy: they stand out for their freshness, their finesse and their magnificent elegance!

Le Clos du Roi: The Marsannay Clos du Roy Rouge 2021 stands among the exceptional terroirs of Marsannay, characterised by its fine limestone, a frequent hallmark of great wines. Sylvain Pataille masterfully orchestrated this plot during the 2021 vintage, giving birth to a harmonious, elegant wine endowed with a remarkable minerality. A true nectar for lovers of exceptional wines. 100% pinot noir from the most prestigious plot. To be enjoyed from now until 2030. The name "Clos du Roy" traces its origins to the seizure of these unique plots by King Louis XI of France in 1477.

The colour is a beautiful garnet. On the nose, the bouquet immediately seduces with enchanting notes of peony and violet, accompanied by aromas of red fruits, cherry and raspberry, all sprinkled with soft spices. On the palate, a silky texture envelops perfectly ripe tannins and a generous body: balanced and of great complexity, this wine lingers long for our greatest pleasure. 

Le Chapitre: Initially listed under the Bourgogne appellation, this red wine from the Clos du Chapitre was reclassified under the Marsannay appellation from 2019 onwards. The pinot noir used to produce it comes from a small plot housing old vines, located in the northern part of the wine-growing zone. These vines are meticulously maintained, cultivated according to certified organic principles and using biodynamic methods. They draw their essential nutrients from poor, stony soils made up of limestone, marl and clay. Sylvain Pataille, a trained oenologist, is dedicated to a meticulous, low-interventionist winemaking approach, followed by barrel ageing for a year and a half. The proportion of new wood varies around 35%. We recommend allowing this wine to age in the cellar for at least five years before tasting it. At that point, it will reveal a seductive complexity of aromas. Both ample and delicate, it will unfold notes of soft spices, red fruits, cherry brandy and flowers.

Other Great Wines in Marsannay 

Other prestigious estates produce delicious wines under the Marsannay appellation: Geantet Pansiot, Jean Yves Bizot, Alain Guyard, Bruno Clair, Bart… 

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