Sylvain Pataille, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Sylvain Pataille is an independently owned 15-18 hectare estate in Marsannay focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and notably Aligoté from limestone-clay soils across distinguished lieu-dits including Clos du Roy and Les Longeroies. Pataille, a trained oenologist who personally oversees all aspects of production, combines technical precision with organic and biodynamic farming practices, native yeast fermentations, and thoughtful oak aging to express his terroirs with minimal intervention.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Sylvain Pataille was established in Marsannay in the late 1990s/early 2000s by its namesake proprietor. Sylvain Pataille began with a modest one hectare of vines, gradually expanding his holdings over the years. Prior to founding his own domaine, Pataille built his expertise as an oenologist consultant for various Burgundy estates, having received his formal oenological training in Bordeaux.
The domaine remains independently owned and operated by Sylvain Pataille himself, maintaining its status as a small, artisanal producer without corporate ownership or investment. While building his own domaine, Pataille has continued his work as a consulting oenologist, applying his technical knowledge across multiple projects while developing his personal winemaking vision in Marsannay.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Sylvain Pataille is firmly rooted in Marsannay, the northernmost appellation of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. The domaine's vineyard holdings have grown to approximately 15-18 hectares, primarily concentrated within the Marsannay appellation. The vineyards feature the classic Burgundian limestone and clay soil composition that characterizes the Côte de Nuits.
Pataille works with several distinguished lieu-dits (named vineyard sites) in Marsannay, including Clos du Roy, La Montagne, and Les Longeroies. Many of his vineyard parcels contain older vines, with some exceeding 50 years of age, contributing depth and concentration to the resulting wines.
The domaine's portfolio centers on Pinot Noir for red wines, reflecting the traditional focus of the Côte de Nuits. Pataille also produces white wines from Chardonnay, as well as distinctive white wine made from Pinot Noir (Marsannay Blanc de Noirs). The domaine produces rosé from Pinot Noir, leveraging Marsannay's distinction as one of the few Burgundy appellations officially recognized for rosé production. Pataille has gained particular recognition for his work with Aligoté, producing several different bottlings including a version from the Clos du Roy vineyard, bringing attention to this often-overlooked Burgundian grape variety.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Sylvain Pataille adheres to organic viticulture practices, with organic certification from Ecocert. The domaine also implements biodynamic farming methods across its vineyards. This commitment to environmentally conscious viticulture reflects Pataille's broader minimal intervention approach to winemaking.
In the cellar, Pataille employs traditional techniques aligned with his naturalistic philosophy. All grapes are harvested by hand to ensure optimal fruit quality and selection. The domaine typically uses native yeasts for fermentation rather than commercial strains. For certain cuvées, Pataille incorporates whole cluster fermentation, adding structural complexity and aromatic nuance to the wines. Oak aging follows a measured approach, with moderate use of new oak barrels to support rather than dominate the wines' expression.
Pataille's technical background as an oenologist informs his precise approach, while his commitment to expressing terroir has established him as a leading producer in Marsannay. His work has contributed significantly to raising awareness of Marsannay's potential for producing distinctive, terroir-driven wines within the Burgundy hierarchy.