Jadot Santenay Clos de Malte Blanc 2020 Domaine Louis Jadot, Burgundy, France

100% Chardonnay. Santenay is the southernmost commune of the Côte d’Or. Santenay’s soils are comprised principally of silica and calcium with magnesium subsoils. Clos de Malte is situated on 17.3 acres in the eastern area of the commune. It lies at the foot of a slope called the “Montagne des Trois Croix” (“the Hill of the Three Crosses”) in a slight valley protected from winds but superbly exposed. As the name suggests, the Clos is surrounded by a stone wall, and at its boundary sits a lovely, small Romanesque church dating from the 12th and 15th centuries on the square before which stands a stone Maltese cross. It is planted in 13 acres of Pinot Noir and 2.3 acres of Chardonnay vines, lying on well-irrigated, chalky clay soils, particularly high in chalk on the upper part of the slope; future plantings of Chardonnay will occupy the last two acres. The white vines yield a robust and rather broad wine of medium depth, with an earthy, aromatic bouquet of fruit and minerals, and a ripe, hearty finish.