Introduction
The 2022 Domaine Françoise et Denis Clair Santenay Rouge Clos Genet is a refined, terroir-driven Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy’s lesser-known gems, Santenay. Domaine Françoise et Denis Clair is celebrated for its meticulous approach to viticulture and traditional Burgundian winemaking, producing wines that reflect the elegance and purity of the Côte de Beaune. This single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Clos Genet showcases the finesse and charm typical of Santenay, with a balance of bright fruit, floral notes, and subtle earthiness.

Terrior
Clos Genet is a small, walled vineyard (clos) located in Santenay, at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune. The terroir here features limestone-rich soils with a mix of clay, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine’s minerality. The mild climate of Burgundy, with warm summers and cool nights, allows for slow ripening, preserving acidity and developing nuanced flavors. This unique terroir imparts freshness, structure, and a mineral backbone to the wine, with Clos Genet particularly known for producing Pinot Noir with elegance and depth.

Appearance
Bright ruby with a medium intensity, showing clarity and vibrancy in the glass. The wine has a light, youthful rim, indicating its freshness and relatively young age.

Nose
The nose is expressive and perfumed, offering aromas of red cherries, wild strawberries, and cranberry, complemented by subtle floral notes of rose petals and violets. Earthy undertones of damp forest floor, mushroom, and a hint of crushed rocks add complexity, along with a faint touch of baking spice from gentle oak aging.

Palate
This wine is medium-bodied, with a silky, supple texture characteristic of fine Pinot Noir. Flavors of fresh red berries—raspberry, cherry, and red currant—lead the way, layered with nuances of earthy minerality and soft herbal notes. The acidity is bright and well-integrated, enhancing the wine's vibrancy, while the tannins are fine-grained and delicately structured, providing a graceful framework without overpowering the palate.

Finish
The finish is long and refined, with lingering notes of red fruit, delicate spice, and a subtle mineral edge. The wine closes with a gentle, mouth-watering acidity, leaving a fresh, clean impression.

Overall Impression
The 2022 Domaine Françoise et Denis Clair Santenay Rouge Clos Genet is a beautifully balanced and elegant expression of Santenay Pinot Noir, showcasing the charm of Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. This wine exemplifies the finesse and minerality that can be found in Santenay, with enough structure to age gracefully over the next several years. It’s an ideal choice for lovers of classic Burgundy who appreciate a wine that is both expressive in its youth and capable of developing complexity with time.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Domaine Françoise et Denis Clair
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Santenay
Grape Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry Red
Winemaking Techniques: Traditional Burgundian methods, including fermentation in open vats and aging in French oak barrels (primarily neutral) to retain purity and terroir expression
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork