The families behind Domaine René Lequin-Colin have worked the vines in Burgundy since the days of Louis XIV. Three and a half centuries later, the current winemaker, François Lequin, works tirelessly to preserve his patrimony... Read More

The families behind Domaine René Lequin-Colin have worked the vines in Burgundy since the days of Louis XIV. Three and a half centuries later, the current winemaker, François Lequin, works tirelessly to preserve his patrimony and indeed improve on it. After a viticultural education in Avize and winemaking stints abroad, François returned home to Santenay, where in 2009 he converted his family's vines to organic farming.

The southernmost village in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, Santenay is one of our favorite destinations for fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at prices that won't break the bank. It features all of the famous escarpment’s fine terroir — Burgundian limestone is incomparable — but because there isn't a single superstar producer calling it home, the village has simply remained under the radar. Like many villages on the Edges of Burgundy, there are excellent values to be had.

Santenay is best known for red wines, and until recently just 1% of the land was planted to Chardonnay. In recent years that’s changed, and nearly 20% of wine produced is white. Considering the border shared between the village and Chassagne-Montrachet, it’s no surprise that the white wines are lithe, lively and elegant. The reds are equally compelling; they are charming and fresh, and the limestone and clay soils impart a delicate tannin structure with lots of savory minerality.