Savigny-Lès-Beaune
1er Cru Aux Serpentières 2023
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: 44 hL/h
Average age of the vines: 74 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 15 September 2023.
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 20 days including 2 days of cold maceration (12°C). Fermentation used indigenous yeasts only (no additives such as enzymes or tannins were used). 2 punchings of the cap.
Ageing
Maturation: aged on the lees for 12 months with no racking using a proportion of 40% 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 October 2024, wine fined with bentonite, very light lenticular filtration.
Number of bottles: 1,398.
Vintage
Fruity and generous
The 2023 vintage experienced unpredictable weather conditions, making work in the vineyards essential for grape quality. Harvesting began in early September under intense heat with the Chardonnays to avoid over-ripening, followed by the reds. The whites will spend two winters in the cellar, while the Pinot Noirs will have undergone short ageing to preserve the fruity aromas. A vintage that brings out the best in each terroir, offering wines that are bright and delicious.
Ageing potential: from 6 to 9 years.
Tasting notes
With its luminous ruby color, this wine opens with a delicate bouquet of peony, enriched by subtle notes of sweet spices and leather. On the palate, it charms with a light sweetness, fine tannins and refined grain. A harmonious wine, full of freshness and balance, with good length.
