Clos Faubard

Clos Faubard sits north of the Santenay village in the Côte de Beaune, positioned above the well-known Gravières Premier Cru at the point where the slope begins its ascent into scrubland. Its elevation ranges from 260 to 300 meters, placing it at a slightly higher and cooler position than some neighboring lieux-dits. The vineyard is enclosed in the traditional clos style, reinforcing the sense of a defined and self-contained terroir. The cool continental climate of this part of the Côte de Beaune means that ripeness is earned rather than given, and the relatively high elevation contributes to wines with freshness and definition.

• Located north of Santenay village, above the Gravières Premier Cru
• Elevation range of 260 to 300 meters within a cool continental climate
• Enclosed walled vineyard consistent with the clos tradition of Burgundy
• Slope rises into scrubland at its upper boundary

The soils of Clos Faubard are notably complex and speak directly to the wine's character. Bajocian marl limestone forms the backbone of the terroir, layered over deeper Jurassic rock, with clay and limestone contributing to water retention and mineral tension. The distinctively red-colored soil with small stones is a recognizable feature of this part of Santenay, giving wines a particular iron-inflected minerality. This soil composition encourages moderate vigor in the vines and produces Pinot Noir with structure and spice alongside its fruit expression.

• Bajocian marl limestone is the dominant soil type
• Jurassic rock underlies the upper soil layers
• Very red soil coloring from iron-rich clay and limestone
• Small stones throughout assist drainage and heat retention

Clos Faubard produces medium-weight red wines from Pinot Noir that carry a signature spicy minerality. The south-facing aspect promotes reliable ripeness, while the elevation and complex soils preserve freshness and structural tension. Expect wines with ripe red fruit, a stony, almost iron-like mineral thread, and firm but not aggressive tannins. Chardonnay is permitted under the appellation rules, though Pinot Noir dominates production. These wines reward several years of cellaring but are approachable on release from quality producers.

• Medium-weight reds with ripe red fruit and spicy mineral character
• South-facing aspect promotes ripeness; elevation preserves freshness
• Pinot Noir dominates, Chardonnay permitted
• Wines show firm structure and benefit from short to medium cellaring

One of the most distinctive facts about Clos Faubard is its concentrated ownership. The entire 3.9 hectares is divided among just three owners, a rarity even by Burgundian standards where fragmented holdings are the norm. Notable producers with representation in this climat include Domaine Lucien Muzard et Fils, Château de la Crée, Louis Jadot, and Mestre. This limited ownership structure means the number of individual bottlings in the market is small, adding to the vineyard's collector interest and relative scarcity.

• Only three owners share the entire 3.9 hectares
• Notable producers include Domaine Lucien Muzard et Fils, Château de la Crée, Louis Jadot, and Mestre
• Small number of market bottlings relative to larger Burgundy Premier Crus
• Limited production contributes to strong demand and collector interest