From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste & Critical Acclaim: The 2019 vintage shows excellently now; we tasted this wine in early February 2024. The once prominent oak and vanilla notes have retreated, allowing a bouquet of lime skin, peony, lemon verbena, and peach skin. This introduction is complemented by layers of fresh orchard and white fruits, integrating with notes of toasted hazelnut and a hint of white truffle, all grounded by a distinct mineral essence of petrichor. The palate largely mirrors the aromas found on the nose but leans into a distinctly tropical bent, and you’ll find mango and ginger flavors that meld into a seamless whole with the other citrus, fruit, and mineral components of this lovely wine.
“The 2019 Santenay Clos de Malte Blanc (Domaine Louis Jadot) has turned out very nicely, offering up notes of buttered pears, citrus oil, white flowers and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, layered and nicely concentrated, it's a bright, precise wine from a late-ripening site.” 90 pt Wine Advocate, Tasted in Janurary 2021
“So much freshness and energy in this ripe but focused white Santenay. Quite some citrus-zest character and minerality, which are are intertwined with delicate tannins and bright acidity at the long finish. Another impressive 2019 white Burgundy from a cool, high-altitude vineyard site.” 93 pt James Suckling, Tasted in July 2021
“The 2019 Santenay Clos de Malte Blanc is much more precise and complex than the Santenay Blanc from Prieur-Bonet. On the nose, nuanced scents of peach skin, nectarine and vanilla. The palate is balanced with overt tropical flavors on the entry: mango, pineapple chunks and light stem ginger notes. No, not a subtle Santenay, yet it brims over with flavor.” - Vinous, Tasted in October 2020
Pairing: This wine, with its supple yet chiseled palate, hints of earth and citrus peel, plus bright acidity, is ideally suited as an aperitif or paired with casual summer cuisines such as most seafood appetizers or entrées (like the one listed below), salads, ceviche, or poultry.
Turkish-Spiced Halibut Skewers With Yogurt Sauce
By David Tanis
About. There is a wealth of history behind the name Louis Jadot, a name etched into the winemaking annals since the family, then vignerons, acquired their celebrated Clos des Ursules in 1826. The house was officially founded in 1859 and has since blossomed under the astute management of Pierre-Henri Gagey and the indomitable head winemaker Jacques Lardière.
Domaine Louis Jadot boasts over 60 hectares of vineyard, many being premier and grand cru, and Jacques Lardière has one of the most respected winemakers working in Burgundy today. The domaine vineyards belong to various entities: Domaine Louis Jadot itself, Les Héritiers de Louis Jadot, Domaine André Gagey, and, on farming contracts, Domaine dela Commaraine and Domaine du Duc de Magenta.
Lardière's winemaking philosophy is compelling, underpinned by a desire for minimal intervention and unwavering faith in the natural course of winemaking. He nurtures the belief that every intervention is a closing of a door rather than an opening. He intends to guide the wine in its own time and pace, from the vat to the barrel.
Under the leadership of Louis Henry Denis Jadot, the company expanded its holdings and influence in Burgundy. It began to purchase grapes from other vineyards to produce a broader range of wines, laying the groundwork for what would become one of Burgundy's most comprehensive portfolios.
In 1985, Maison Louis Jadot was acquired by the Gagey family, which has been managing the company since the early 20th century. Under the Gagey family's stewardship and with the leadership of Pierre-Henri Gagey, Maison Louis Jadot has continued to thrive, furthering its mission to produce wines that reflect the nuances of Burgundy's terroirs.
While remaining deeply rooted in Burgundy, Maison Louis Jadot has also expanded its operations to include vineyards in other parts of France, notably in Beaujolais and the Maconnais, further broadening its range of wines.
The Santenay appellation is a significant part of the Burgundy wine region in France, known for its red and white wines, though it is more prominently recognized for its red wines made from Pinot Noir. Situated in the southern part of the Côte de Beaune, Santenay marks the end of the golden slope (Côte d’Or) adjacent to the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation. Some of the world's most prestigious vineyards are located in this area of Burgundy.
The "Clos de Malte" vineyard, exclusively owned by Maison Louis Jadot, spans 7 hectares within the Santenay appellation in Burgundy, France. This monopole, meaning Jadot is its sole proprietor, is located on the "Sous la Fée" climat at the Montagne des Trois Croix base. Predominantly, the vineyard is planted with Pinot Noir, though it includes a smaller section (about one hectare) dedicated to Chardonnay. This section is characterized by particularly moist soil composed of limestone and clay. The area experiences a continental climate marked by cold winters and warm summers, though weather variations can significantly impact the characteristics of each vintage. The specific microclimate of "Clos de Malte" plays a crucial role in defining the distinctive qualities of its wines.
“Grapes are harvested by hand and put in small cases not to damage the fruits. Grapes are pressed softly; they ferment in oak barrels our cooperage produces. 1/3 are new barrels. Aging usually lasts 15 months on fine lies before bottling.” - From the producer’s official website.