Marsannay Le Chapitre 2023 – Sylvain Pataille

Overview

The Marsannay Le Chapitre 2023 by Sylvain Pataille is one of the domaine’s most prestigious cuvées, representing the depth and refinement of Marsannay-la-Côte in the Côte de Nuits. Coming from carefully selected vines rooted in marl, limestone, and stony soils, this wine offers an ambitious interpretation of Pinot Noir: precise, vibrant, and structured. The 2023 vintage continues Pataille’s pursuit of balance and authenticity, delivering a wine of remarkable purity and longevity.

Wine History

The “Le Chapitre” cuvée originates from an ancient parcel in northern Marsannay, historically linked to ecclesiastical lands – hence the name “Chapitre”. This vineyard, planted between thirty and fifty years ago, is cultivated following strict organic and biodynamic principles. For Sylvain Pataille, it represents a sacred site, where geology and history meet. The 2023 vintage was hand-harvested, with precise grape selection, resulting in a wine that captures the essence of its terroir: tension, minerality, and aromatic depth.

Philosophy in the Vineyard

In the “Le Chapitre” vineyard, Pataille practices organic and biodynamic viticulture, ensuring minimal intervention and maximum respect for the ecosystem. Soils rich in clay, limestone, and pebbles provide structure and freshness, while careful canopy management and very low yields ensure full ripeness and concentration. The vines are treated as living organisms within their natural environment. Every gesture in the vineyard aims to preserve the purest expression of the site.

Approach in the Cellar

In the cellar, Pataille follows a philosophy of gentle extraction and spontaneous fermentation. Indigenous yeasts initiate fermentation, with a proportion of whole clusters included to enhance aromatic lift and texture. The wine matures for about 18 months in French oak barrels, with a balance of new and seasoned oak to support the fruit without overwhelming it. The result is a transparent, textural Pinot Noir that mirrors the mineral precision of Marsannay. No fining or heavy filtration is used before bottling.

Tasting Notes

Color: deep ruby-red with garnet reflections and crystalline brightness.
Nose: aromas of red and black fruits (cherry, blackberry), violet, graphite, spice, and subtle earthy tones.
Palate: lively and precise, with fine, structured tannins; fresh acidity leads to a long, elegant, and mineral finish, revealing great depth and energy.

Food Pairings

The Marsannay Le Chapitre 2023 pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, duck breast, venison stews, and truffle-based dishes. It also enhances aged cheeses or autumnal recipes featuring wild mushrooms. A wine for refined cuisine, where finesse and structure find perfect harmony.

Technical Sheet

• Appellation: AOP Marsannay

• Vintage: 2023

• Producer: Sylvain Pataille

• Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir

• Vineyard: “Le Chapitre”, east/northeast exposure, marl, limestone, and pebble soils

• Vine age: 30–50 years

• Vinification: spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, partial whole-cluster use

• Ageing: about 18 months in French oak barrels (part new, part used)

• Alcohol content: 13% vol

• Serving temperature: 16 – 18 °C

• Contains sulphites