Burgundy

Philippe Brenot

Santenay

Before meeting Philippe, you might be intimidated by his impressive credentials - professor of oenology, prestigious owner of some of the most sought-after Bâtard- Montrachet, winemaker of considerable experience and talent. Upon meeting him, all this is swept aside by his warmth, hospitality and - frankly - total insanity. The 'Slapstick of Santenay' is undeniably one of our favourite annual buying visits. In his dotage, Philippe u-turned from making ultra-controlled 'technically perfect' wines to a philosophy of working the vineyards to produce first-rate fruit, then intervening far less in the winemaking. This approach has resulted in wines with intensity and a remarkable precision of flavour, as well as complexity at an early age, which builds with maturity.

The Brenot family has been a major land owner in Bâtard-Montrachet for several generations. Several small parcels of vines in Puligny were given to his grandfather, a doctor, by grateful patients and Philippe and his wife added to the estate by buying land in Chassagne-Montrachet.