Savigny-Lès-Beaune
1er Cru Aux Serpentières 2021
Balance and maturity are the words that come to mind when one evokes the vineyard of Savigny, three kilometers north of Beaune.
Origin
Savigny’s vineyards form a V-shape and are located at the meeting place of a valley and the plain, offering some of the most picturesque scenery in the Côte d’Or. These vineyards are of ancient lineage. For much of their history, they belonged to the domaine of the Dukes of Bourgogne, to neighbouring religious houses, or to the Knights of Malta. An imposing 14th century castle testifies to the appellation's aristocratic qualifications.
This climat is exposed full south. It was formerly called "les serpentines" from the name of a grass snake species. But this place name could also designate paths that "snaked" through the vines, at the time when they were planted "en foule" (in a mass) and not in straight rows. These paths would have been compared to serpents and been given this name thanks to this metaphor!
Viticulture
Grape variety: pinot noir
Soils: stony with some red clays.
Orientation: South
Surface area under vine: 0.2375 ha
Pruning: Guyot system
Yield: 40 hL/ha
Average age of the vines: 72 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 24 September 2021.
The grapes were handpicked. First sorting in the vineyard, second on the sorting table upon receipt of the harvest.
At the winery: 100% of grapes were destemmed but not crushed (they were left whole) and were gravity-fed into tanks. Maceration lasted a total of 23 days including 4 days of cold maceration (12°C). Fermentation used indigenous yeasts only (no additives such as enzymes or tannins were used). 3 punchings of the cap.
Ageing
Maturation: aged on the lees for 15 months with no racking using a proportion of 33% new French oak barrels.
Barrels: French oak barrels that had been toasted at low temperatures for a long time for very delicate oaking.
Bottling
Bottling: by gravity in February 2023, unfined wine, very light filtration.
Number of bottles : 1,285.
Vintage
A complex vintage!
It is both a winegrower and winemaker’s vintage ! 2021 will unfortunately be remembered quantity-wise for a long time by its disastrous frost early april. Direct consequence: this is probably one of the smallest vintages ever in Burgundy . It offers a very nice and subtle representation of each terroir and its expression, with fruity, freshness and great finesse wines.
Ageing potential: from 5 to 8 years.
Tasting notes
The colour is bright garnet red. The nose reveals intense aromas of dried roses and greedy red fruits. On the palate, this silky and acidic wine reveals a subtle woody finish.
