Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligote

Sylvain Pataille, the vintner from Marsannay-la-Côte in Côte-d'Or, is an unforgettable character in the world of wine. With a mane of ginger curls and a professorial air, he exudes energy as he delves into the intricacies of over 20 different wines in rapid-fire French, all while managing a constant stream of phone calls. He is undoubtedly one of the busiest vintners we collaborate with, overseeing 17 hectares of vineyards in and around Marsannay, along with consulting for numerous growers in the Côte-d’Or and Côte Chalonnaise.

Despite not hailing from a winemaking family, Sylvain's passion for winemaking was ignited at a young age while assisting his grandfather and father with vinification for family consumption. His journey began with just one hectare of vines in 1999, swiftly expanding to nine hectares by 2002, including prestigious parcels like Clos du Roy and La Charme Aux Prêtres. Over the years, he has acquired prime terroirs in Marsannay, where limestone-rich soils reign, all meticulously tended to under biodynamic practices since 2015.

Sylvain's devotion to preserving tiny parcels of ancient vines is matched only by his commitment to reviving the reputation of aligoté. This grape, akin to chardonnay, has found its champion in Sylvain, who crafts a range of single-vineyard aligotés to showcase its nuances. He co-founded the Aligoteurs association, dedicated to elevating the finest expressions of the grape.

In his vineyard management, Sylvain prioritizes massal selection for new plantings, drawing clippings from esteemed growers like Jean-Marc Roulot. With an emphasis on low yields and meticulous winemaking techniques, including slow pressing and judicious oak aging, Sylvain crafts wines that balance finesse with age-worthiness. His meticulous approach extends to bottling, decided solely by taste readiness rather than a set schedule.

While Sylvain's portfolio boasts wines that age gracefully, the majority exude an approachable charm that makes them irresistible in their youth. Whether it's his Marsannay Rosé or his revered lieux-dits bottlings, Sylvain's wines are a testament to his mastery of both whites and reds—a rarity in Burgundy.

Note: The Marsannay appellation, once encompassing Couchey, Marsannay, and part of Chenôve, has seen recent changes, including the recognition of Le Chapitre as a climat and the ongoing quest for premier cru status for its finest terroirs.