FINESSE
Southern Burgundy: River Saône and Canal du Centre
Up to 8 guests
Charters and Cabin cruises
Themed Cruises:
Bike, Family, Golf, Wine
Barging in France: Canal du Centre
The Santenay Wine Estate of Jean Baptiste Jessiaume
The Santenay wine estate of Jean Baptiste Jessiaume in southern Burgundy is a new visit on the Classic Cruise itinerary of French Hotel Barge Finesse. Here, every bottle tells a story of heritage, innovation, and the timeless art of winemaking – a story that Finesse guests are invited to savor in every sip.
French Hotel Barge Finesse
The luxurious hotel barge Finesse enjoys 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.
Photo: Jean Baptiste Jessiaume
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 honor his family's legacy by blending traditional techniques with innovative, forward-thinking practices.
Guests aboard Finesse 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 flavors.
Photo: Jean Baptiste Jessiaume
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. The use of Joel Sternheimer's innovative protéodies method is what sets this estate apart.
This groundbreaking technique, developed in the field of agrobiology, involves the application of specific sound frequencies. By introducing these sound waves at key stages of the vines' development, it promotes stronger, more resilient plants and enriches the flavors 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.
Exploring the Santenay Wine Region
Santenay is a truly picturesque village, located in the south of the Côte 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.
Photo by Vecteezy.com
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 flavor. 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.
Enjoy Southern Burgundy aboard Finesse
Learn more about the Canal du Centre:
- The Canal du Centre: An Overview
- The Canal du Centre: Towns & Villages
- The Canal du Centre: Best Places to Visit
French Hotel Barges Cruising the Canal du Centre
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