2019 Benoit Cantin Irancy Pinot Noir

Today, it is Benoit Cantin that sits at the helm of the domain. While his father, Bernard, still offers guidance and advice, it is Benoit who is responsible for farming the family’s 16 hectares of vineyards that, mind you, spans ten lieu dits!

Bernard began handing over responsibilities to his son in 1991, and three years later, Benoit released his first vintage. Taking the knowledge of his father and grandfather before him, Benoit continues to craft Pinot Noir wines that are always well received for their rustic elegance and the way they express the characteristics of Irancy’s limestone soils and unique geographical placement and microclimate.

After nearly 30 years managing the winery, Benoit will soon begin the slow and methodical transition of integrating his son, Félicien, into the winery. Félicien will graduate from the Beaune Wine School, and another generation of the Cantin family will begin writing their own history of this much loved Irancy-based brand.

Irancy Appellation, Burgundy

Domaine Benoit Cantin’s vines are exclusively located in the Irancy appellation, which sits in Burgundy’s northwestern corner, just west of Chablis. The small commune of Irancy officially gained appellation status in 1998. Prior to that, Pinot Noir from Irancy was classified under the  Bourgogne appellation.

Pinot Noir wines from Irancy are allowed to be blended with up to 10% César, a grape known for its intense tannins and deep garnet color. During vintages where the grapes poorly ripen or where weather creates less than desirable fruit, César is added to increase color and structure in the region’s Pinot Noir.

Irancy has gained acclaim in recent years for its high-quality but reasonably priced wines that offer an affordable alternative to the prestigious domaines of Burgundy.

Cool Climate Wines & Limestone Soil

Besides their geographical proximity, Chablis and Irancy share a few more special facets, namely Kimmeridgian soils and a cool climate that makes the vines susceptible to frost. 

Irancy’s limestone and clay soils are filled with marine fossils, which local winemakers in the commune, as well as those in Chablis, believe impart the wines with a distinct minerality. The soils are also known for reflecting the sun’s hot rays in the summer and for their efficient drainage, a feature that encourages the roots to fight down into the earth for water.

South-facing slopes, like the ones found in Benoit Cantin’s vineyards, are prized in Irancy. The region’s relatively cool climate can sometimes make slow work of ripening grapes, so when possible, growers plant their vineyards facing south to maximize sun exposure.