Red dry
One of the most structured Premier Cru wines from Nicolas Rossignol, combining the elegance of Volnay with greater concentration and a firmer structure. Although “Santenots” is classified under the Volnay appellation, this Premier Cru vineyard is physically located within the commune of Meursault. A thin layer of clay over limestone bedrock gives the ‘Pinot Noir’ minerality, tension and excellent ageing potential.
The nose opens with aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and plum, complemented by violet flowers, black pepper, liquorice and subtle forest floor notes. With aeration, mineral and spice nuances gradually emerge while maintaining a clear expression of fruit.
On the palate, the wine is concentrated and precise. Ripe dark fruit is supported by vibrant acidity, fine yet firm tannins and the distinctive tension provided by the limestone soils. The finish is long, revealing layers of spice, minerality and delicate earthy nuances.
The grapes come from the Santenots de Dessous vineyard, where limestone bedrock lies close to the surface beneath a thin layer of clay. Nicolas Rossignol favours gentle extraction to preserve the purity of the fruit and the distinctive expression of the terroir.
The wine is fermented from fully destemmed grapes and aged in French oak barrels, with approximately 20% new oak.
Serve at a temperature of 15–16 °C. Pair with roast venison, squab with veal, or quail dishes.
Nicolas Rossignol is one of the most prominent figures of the new generation of Volnay winemakers, continuing a multi-generational Burgundian winemaking tradition. Born into a winemaking family, he began his career in 1994 at Domaine Rossignol-Jeanniard and founded his own Domaine Nicolas Rossignol in 1997. Before returning to Volnay, he gained experience in several renowned estates in France and abroad, including Domaine Joseph Voillot in Volnay, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe in the Rhône Valley, as well as wineries in Bordeaux and Stellenbosch, South Africa. This diverse background shaped his distinctive approach to terroir and winemaking.
Today, Domaine Nicolas Rossignol manages vineyards in Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, and other Côte de Beaune appellations. The estate produces around 30 different wines, mainly based on ‘Pinot Noir’, allowing the expression of the unique character of individual Burgundian parcels. Particular focus is placed on the Volnay and Pommard appellations, where Nicolas Rossignol seeks to highlight the subtle differences between terroirs – from the more elegant and aromatic expression of Volnay to the more structured and powerful character of Pommard.
In the vineyards, Nicolas Rossignol places great emphasis on soil health and the natural balance of the vines. Environmentally conscious practices are applied, yields are controlled, and each parcel is managed individually according to its geology, exposure, and microclimate. In the winery, gravity-flow techniques are used to minimise mechanical intervention, while grapes are carefully selected before fermentation.
The style of Nicolas Rossignol’s wines is based on purity of fruit, precision of texture, and refined structure. His ‘Pinot Noir’ wines are characterised by aromatic intensity, silky tannins, and a clear expression of terroir. Volnay wines typically show elegance, floral character, and refined texture, Pommard wines offer greater concentration and firmer tannin structure, while Beaune wines reflect the classic balance of the Côte de Beaune.
Winemaking relies on careful selection and restrained oak influence, preserving the fruit character of ‘Pinot Noir’ and the identity of each vineyard. Ageing time depends on the specific terroir and cuvée, but wines are generally matured in French oak barrels for around 12–18 months.
Today, Domaine Nicolas Rossignol is recognised for its ability to express the differences between Burgundy’s individual sites – not by creating a uniform house style, but by allowing each vineyard to reveal its own character.
