“Pataille is proof that major Burgundy can come from a minor address.” – Jancis Robinson, on the humble village of Marsannay.

Sylvain Pataille’s father, a bus driver by trade, spent all his free time helping in a friend’s vineyards. Sylvan’s uncle owned an estate in the Medoc that the family visited every summer. Even as a child, Sylvain knew that he too belonged in the vineyards. In 1999, he started with one mere hectare, and slowly grew his estate to 15 hectares. Years of trusting his vision have paid off. He farms biodynamically (certified since 2011) and works as a consulting oenologist across Burgundy.

L'Ancestrale comes from 60-80 year old vines across three lieux-dits: Clos du Roy, Clémengeot, and Ouzeloy. Pataille works with 100% whole cluster fermentation, indigenous yeasts, minimal sulfur, and ages 15-18+ months in oak. The 2019 shows classic Marsannay character with bright red fruit, floral notes, fine tannins, and a sleek mineral backbone. This is Burgundy as cerebral as it is pure delight, offering both immediate drinking pleasure and the structure to age gracefully for 10-15 years.