Jean Baptiste Jessiaume: the Heart of the Santenay Wine Region

In the heart of Burgundy, the historic Jean Baptiste Jessiaume wine estate proudly stands as a testament to nearly two centuries of winemaking excellence. Spanning nine hectares of prime vineyard land, this cherished estate has been lovingly tended by the Jessiaume family since 1830. Today, Jean Baptiste, the sixth-generation steward, continues to honour his family’s legacy by blending traditional techniques with innovative, forward-thinking practices.

Guests aboard the luxurious hotel barge Finesse enjoy the unique privilege of mooring just steps away from the domaine. A leisurely walk or scenic bicycle ride leads to the estate, where a memorable two-hour experience begins.

European Waterways guests are welcomed with a guided tour through the vines of Clos sur Santenay, a picturesque section of the vineyard located a short drive from the winery. Here, guests will have the opportunity to learn the history and importance of the vines, the soil, and everything that goes into cultivating the perfect wine-making grapes.

The excursion continues in the domaine’s remarkable cellars, where a member of the Jessiaume family will host an intimate tasting of six exquisite wines – three whites and three reds. This tasting is elevated by the inclusion of gougères, Burgundy’s iconic cheese-infused choux pastry, offering a perfect pairing for the wines’ nuanced flavours.

The wines of Jean Baptiste Jessiaume are crafted using biodynamic principles, rooted in a philosophy of sustainability and harmony with nature and using no chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides.

What sets this estate apart is its use of Joel Sternheimer’s innovative protéodies method. This groundbreaking technique, developed in the field of agrobiology, involves the application of sound frequencies – specific vibrations designed to stimulate natural growth and enhance the health of the vines.

By introducing these sound waves at key stages of the vines’ development, the protéodies method promotes stronger, more resilient plants and enriches the flavours and complexity of the wines. The result is a product that not only reflects the terroir but also embodies a profound respect for the very roots of the natural world.

Don’t be surprised to hear music as you make your way through this charming wine estate!

Exploring the Santenay Wine Region

Santenay is a truly picturesque village, located in the south of the Cote d’Or of Burgundy. It’s nestled in a valley, at the foot of the mountain of the Three Crosses. It even boasts a medieval castle complete with two massive Plane trees, said to be the oldest in France! And, wherever you look around the village you are surrounded by vines. The famous Sorine windmill, built in the early 1800s, stands like a Burgundian lighthouse overlooking those vines.

Granted AOC status in 1937, the wines of Santenay are made up of 90% Pinot Noir grapes for the reds and the rest in Chardonnay for its white. The Pinot Noir from this area gives hints of red fruits and a top note of liquorice. It is supple yet intense in flavour. The Chardonnays are fresh, with floral notes and hints of hazelnut.

What also makes Santenay unique is its thermal waters. The village is pre-Roman in origins, and it is believed that it was the waters that attracted the Romans to the area. The waters have incredibly high salt content and play an integral part in adding to the diverse terroir of the area. This manifests most notably in a rich salinity of the whites. Making this 10% of Santenay wines truly unique. Worth taking note of as you taste the wines at Jean Baptiste Jessiaume.

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