Savigny-Lès-Beaune
1er Cru Aux Guettes 2023
Balance and maturity are the two words that come to mind when Savigny’s vineyards are mentioned.
They are located three kilometres 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.
Located on the hillside below the Chenôve Woods to the east of the village, the plot "Aux Guettes" is facing due south. The soil is quite complex: mixture of limestone pebbles, scree and clay. This is one of the most famous climates of the appellation.
The name "Guettes" has its origin in the verb "watch". The name thus indicated the places in altitude where one could supervise the country and the roads.
Viticulture
Grape variety: pinot noir
Soils: complex, mixture of limestone, scree and clay.
Orientation: South
Surface area under vine: 0.344 ha
Pruning: Guyot system
Yield: 33 hL/ha
Average age of the vines: 49 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 10 September 2023.
The grapes were sorted a first time in the vineyard and a second time on the sorting table when they arrived at the winery.
At the winery: the grapes were 70% destemmed but not crushed (they were left whole) and were gravity-fed into tanks. Maceration of 19 days including 2 days cold (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: 1,497.
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.
Awards
International Wine Challenge - 95 pts - Gold medal
Tim Atkin - Burgundy 2023 Special Report - 92 pts
Bourgogne Aujourd'hui Magazine - 15 / 20
Tasting notes
With its brilliant ruby color, this wine is remarkably fresh. Its floral bouquet is enriched by delicate hints of smoke and minerality. On the palate, it is supported by fine tannins, a fine mouthfeel and elegant freshness. An authentic, round Savigny with a long, persistent finish.
