Domaine Jean-Marc Vincent – The Discreet Elegance of Southern Côte de Beaune

The Domaine Jean-Marc Vincent, based in Santenay, is today considered as one of the most meticulous and high-quality estates in the southern Côte de Beaune. In an appellation long underestimated, Jean-Marc and his wife Anne-Marie have proven, vintage after vintage, that Santenay can produce wines with a style and depth comparable to its more prestigious neighbors.

The estate covers about 6 hectares, spread over the best slopes of Santenay and some plots in Auxey-Duresses. Most of the vines are very old, some over 70 years, which gives the wines a natural concentration and great aromatic complexity. Jean-Marc Vincent has long opted for a demanding and respectful cultural approach, close to biodynamics, without formal certification but with plowing, gentle treatments, very low yields, and absolute respect for the plant.

The work in the vineyard is obsessive, with arched pruning, rigorous canopy management, manual harvesting in crates, and a ruthless sorting upon reception. The grapes arrive in the cellar in impeccable sanitary condition.

In winemaking, Jean-Marc practices very gentle extractions, often with 100% destemmed harvest, and fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The aging is long (often 18 months or more) in barrels (up to 50% new wood depending on the cuvées), with meticulous monitoring. The whites are pressed slowly, fermented in barrels, and aged on lees without excessive stirring, to preserve the brightness of the fruit.

The style of the wines is straight, chiseled, very pure, with reds of rare finesse, blending bright red fruit, floral notes, soft spices, and silky tannins. The whites are tense, deep, mineral, often comparable to those of the best crus of Meursault or Chassagne, with impressive energy.

Iconic Cuvées:

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  Santenay 1er Cru “Beaurepaire” (white) – saline, lively, long on the palate, very Meursault-like profile.

  
  
  
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  Santenay 1er Cru “Gravières” (red) – fine, floral, polished tannins, superb length.

  
  
  
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  Auxey-Duresses “Les Hautés” – crystalline white, subtle and energetic.

  
  
  
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  Santenay “Les Potets” – more accessible red, fresh, crunchy, very pure.

  
  
  
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  Bourgogne Côte d’Or white – white fruit, tension, and purity.