Winery: Since 1921, at the entrance of the sleepy village of Savigny les Beaune resides this lovely family-owned estate. Following vigneron generations before him, son Stephen (who studied winemaking at the University of Beaune, and Pinot Noir winemaking in Australia) has taken the family reins as Winemaker. Using their 12.5 hectares of pre-Phylloxera vineyards in Hautes Côtes de Beaune, along with father Jean Michel, mother Yvonne and wife (Assistant Winemaker) Luci, Stephen is committed to producing wines true to the intrinsic feminine character of Savigny Les Beaune. The appellation is in a shaded valley that means cooler temperatures, longer hang time, lower brix levels and wines with lower alcohol, more delicacy and elegance, yet with acidity for graceful aging. They moved to their new winery in 1992 from the old 1771 Prieuré (Abbey) on their label.
Vineyards: Planted with super-high vine-density of 4,450 plants per acre of either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, vine competition contributes to low yields of 1-2 tons/acre, forcing the dry-farmed roots deep into the soil for water and nutrients. The family personally manages their vineyards, and since 2000 have used the natural farming practice, “Lutte Raisonnée” (lute-reason-ay). Rather than use herbicides, instead they spend 600 hours a year plowing the soil for weed control. The clusters hang very low to catch radiant heat off the soil, since the appellation is so cool. The grapes are picked perfectly ripe with low brix, expressing their goal of making lighter, feminine, delicate wines, resisting the 1990s fashion trend of making Bigger Pinot Noir in Burgundy. Their philosophy is to “put more work on the vines and less work in the cellar.”
Winemaking: Grapes are hand sorted by the family (plus a cousin and an uncle), the whites are pressed directly after harvest, the reds de-stemmed. Initially cold soaked, native-yeast fermentation starts naturally with gentle punch-downs, then pump-overs as temperatures rise, limiting extraction. Reds age in 0% to 30% new oak, depending on appellation, are racked after 12 months in 3000 Liter wood foudres, and settled in stainless steel vats before Estate Bottling unfined, course-filtered only if necessary.
Crémant de Bourgogne, Brut NV Expected Back in July 12.0% alcohol
Grown in the Cotes de Beaune from Champagne varietals of 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir (+ 5% Aligoté). Fermented in neutral vessels, and aged 14 months in tirage before disgorgement, and addition of dosage of 10g/L dosage. Tasting Notes: “Crisp, racy and lively, a nose of flower petals, nutmeg, earth and cider, flavors of white peach and stone fruits, honey, minerals and toasted nuts.” Remarkable at the price. 500 cases.
Savigny Les Beaune Blanc, Chardonnay 2018 13.0% alcohol
From three dry-farmed parcels on a steep 25% slope yielding 1-1.9 tons/acre. The 67-year-old vine fruit is aged 15 months in neutral barrels with no ML fermentation; the rest stainless fermented with cold, slow malo-lactic conversion. No new oak. NEW – Half Bottles [2016]
Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2019 12.5% alcohol New Post-Tariff Pricing
40 year-old vines, 2.25 tons/acre from two gravelly parcels, just outside of Savigny. 100% de-stemmed, cold soaked, native yeast fermented in stainless tanks, made with no oak. Tasting notes: “Aromas of fresh strawberries, rose petals, cherries. Forceful yet gentle, with crisp light red fruits.”
Bourgogne – Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Pinot Noir 2019 Nearly Out 12.5% alcohol
These 38 year old vines are on shallow, rocky soil on a steep 20% slope in the coolest and highest elevation in Savigny (single Vineyard “Les Champons”), with long hang time, yields under 2.25 tons/acre, small and concentrated grapes, and is the last Prieuré parcel picked. 10% new oak.
Savigny Les Beaune, “Les Gollardes” 2018 Pinot Noir Spring Release 13.0% alcohol
Tasting Notes: “Aromatic notes of both red and dark currant, earth and a hint of humus. Supple, round and nicely vibrant flavors, rich finish.” Named “the place with bad soil,” (the exact same Comblanchien soil as in Chambolle Musigny) the densely spaced, 50+ year old vines look down from a steep southwest facing slope 300 feet above the village of Savigny. This cool site produces thinner skins and typically more delicate styling.
Savigny Les Beaune, Les Laviéres 1er Cru 2018 New Vintage 13.0% alcohol
Tasting Notes: “Fresh strawberry and raspberry in the nose, filling the mouth with concentrated, expansive and flavor-packed fruit, with bright freshness and no aggressive tannins.” Yields of barely 1 ton/acre, 67-year-old Pinot Noir vines. Downslope from Corton Hill. No new oak. 125 cases
Savigny Les Beaune, Les Haut Jarrons 1er Cru 2018 Extremely Limited 13.0% alcohol
Richer in body, rounder texture and darker fruit elements than the 1er Cru Les Lavieres, this mid-slope hillside classified vineyard with 69 year old vines had miniscule yields in 2018, allowing only 14 cases to be imported to the entire US. No new oak, 20% used French Oak barrels.
Savigny Les Beaune, Les Haut Jarrons 1er Cru 2017 13.0% alcohol
Larger scaled and more structured than the 1er Cru Les Lavieres, this expresses more robust fruit, darker color and tends more towards cherry and plum than strawberry and raspberry, delivered on a generous body with velvety textures. Grown on a sloping hillside vineyard, these 68 year old vines produce a tiny yield from the gravel and clay based soil. No new oak, and 20% used French Oak barrels. 250 cases made, only 45 cases imported.
Volnay 2019 Very Limited 13.0% alcohol [6-pack]
“Spice filled red fruit aromas. Expressive and pure, sweet strawberry fruit, spice, and a kiss of oak. Deliciously round ripe cherry fruit with nice floral and spice accents. Good acidity and cut, long finish.” 40 year-old vines, 2+ tons/acre. Aged in 2 year-old oak. Only 10 six-packs for all of California.
** International Freight Disclaimer ** Pricing is subject to sudden change due to the volatility of international freight delays and costs **
