Sylvain Pataille (Marsannay)
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Sylvain Pataille (Marsannay) 〰️
Sylvain Pataille is a highly regarded winemaker based in Marsannay-la-Côte, the northernmost appellation of Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, just outside Dijon. Born and raised in Marsannay, Pataille didn’t come from a winemaking family but was drawn to viticulture from a young age, inspired by time spent in the vineyards of family friend Jean Fournier. He studied oenology in Beaune and Bordeaux, later working briefly in a Beaune lab before starting his own domaine in 1999 with just one hectare. Today, his estate spans 15 hectares, all in Marsannay, where he grows Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a significant amount of Aligoté, a grape he’s particularly championed.
Pataille is a leader in organic and biodynamic viticulture, certified organic since 2008 and practicing biodynamic methods, though he lost certification in 2016 after using a prohibited treatment to save a harvest. He plows by horse, uses massal selection for replanting (sourcing cuttings from top Burgundy producers), and maintains low yields (around 35 hl/ha for reds, 30 hl/ha for Aligoté) to ensure quality. In the cellar, he employs minimal intervention: native yeasts, long and slow pressing, minimal sulfur (20-30 mg/L at bottling), and extended élevage (15-24 months) in mostly older barrels (0-30% new oak). His wines are known for their finesse, balance, and distinct minerality, reflecting Marsannay’s limestone and clay soils.
Where to Find Domaine Sylvain Pataille Wines
Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)
International Retailers & Distributors (Examples & General Tips)
Sylvain Pataille's wines are distributed globally through a network of reputable importers and fine wine merchants who appreciate his commitment to quality and natural practices.
- **United States (Key Importers/Retailers):**
- **Skurnik Wines & Spirits:** A major US importer for Domaine Sylvain Pataille, distributing to various states. Check their website for specific state distributors.
- **Advintage Distributing:** Another US distributor carrying Pataille wines.
- **Flatiron Wines & Spirits (NYC & SF):** Highly regarded retailers with an excellent Burgundy and natural wine selection, frequently stocking Pataille.
- **Astor Wines & Spirits (NYC):** A large, well-regarded retailer that often secures allocations of sought-after Burgundies.
- *Look for independent wine shops that specialize in fine Burgundy, organic/biodynamic wines, or natural wines in major US cities.*
- **France (Burgundy & Beyond):**
- While Pataille does not run a public online shop, his wines are widely available at discerning wine shops (cavistes) and wine bars across France, especially in Burgundy and major cities like Paris.
- **Mes Bourgognes Beaune:** A Burgundy specialist retailer that offers Pataille wines.
- **Lavinia (Paris):** A large, high-end wine store that carries an extensive Burgundy selection.
- **United Kingdom:**
- **Flint Wines (Importer/Wholesaler):** A leading UK importer for top Burgundy estates, including Sylvain Pataille. Many independent wine merchants across the UK would source from them.
- **Plouf (Online UK Retailer):** Features Sylvain Pataille as one of their producers, indicating availability.
- *Look for reputable independent wine merchants specializing in Burgundy or natural wine in London and other major UK cities.*
- **Asia (e.g., Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong):**
- **Only Cellar (Singapore):** Listed as carrying Pataille wines.
- **IDealwine (Hong Kong/Singapore/Japan Auctions):** Often features Pataille wines through their auction platform.
- *Many Asian markets have a strong demand for fine Burgundy, so high-end wine merchants and specialized importers will likely carry Pataille.*
- **General Tips:**
- **Consult Burgundy Specialists:** Given his strong Burgundy identity, any wine merchant focusing on Burgundy will be a good place to start.
- **Ask for Allocations:** For his more sought-after single-vineyard cuvées, you may need to inquire with retailers about allocations or join a mailing list.
