70% of the grapes to produce Santenay 1er Cru Beaurepair Antoine Olivier were vinified as whole clusters. Traditional Burgundian vinification took place with minimal intervention. Fermentation took place with natural yeasts and without any ‘pigeage’ or punching down of the cap. Santenay 1er Cru Beaurepair Antoine Olivier was 100% barrel aged for 12 months, in a combination of oak barrels. One third was aged in new oak, one third in one year old oak and one third in two year old oak. The wine then rested for a further six months in tank, prior to being bottled, without fining or filtration.
The grapes come from the single vineyard plot of ‘Beaurepaire’, which is situated at the highest elevation of all the Premier Crus in Santenay. This east facing site has a unique microclimate and it produces a very elegant style of wine from limestone and clay soils. The vineyard is managed with respect for the unique attributes of each site’s terroir and is farmed sustainably and organically, although it is not certified. Some biodynamic philosophies are also followed. The grapes are hand-picked and carefully sorted prior to vinification.
Antoine Olivier was founded at the end of the 1960s, from a few vineyards left by Antoine Chevalier Moreau to his grandson, Hervé. He began extending the estate by purchasing historic, old vineyards across Santenay, some of which had not been used for a century, paying particular attention to famous white wine vineyards. The quality of these soils is now recognised in a series of brilliant wines, in particular the exceptional white Santenay, something of a rarity in what is predominantly a red wine growing area. Today, Hervé’s grandson Antoine Olivier and his sister Rachel manage the estate. They are dedicated growers and follow organic practices in the vineyard. Their philosophy is to combine modernity with respect for the Burgundian soils and their stunning collection of white Santenay wines really showcases this.34.2
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