You may already be familiar with Beaune, the beating heart of Burgundy’s wine country. However, have you ever explored its discreet neighbor, Savigny-lès-Beaune ? Here, the wines express all the typical character of the Côte de Beaune, with reds indulgent made from Pinot Noir and whites ranging from mineral to round, produced from Chardonnay.
Want to know more? Follow the guide and discover everything you need to know about Savigny-lès-Beaune and its wines!
Summary
History of the Savigny-lès-Beaune appellation
The winegrowing history of Savigny-lès-Beaune dates back to the Gallo-Roman era, around the 1st century AD.-C., as evidenced by the remains of amphorae found on these lands.
In the Middle Ages, the monks of Cîteaux truly structured the vineyard: they defined the enclosures, organized the harvests, and refined the production of red and white wines. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were already present at that time, but probably mixed with other varieties.
In the Renaissance, control over the vineyard lands belonged to the secular lords and bourgeois families of Beaune, even though religious institutions remained influential. The wine of Savigny then began to gain a local reputation, and the best terroirs, located on the well-exposed hillsides of the Rhoin valley, were already standing out.
During the following centuries, the Savigny-lès-Beaune vineyard continued to strengthen and the wine circulated increasingly towards Paris.
In the 19th century, the Burgundy vineyard faced two major challenges: powdery mildew (microscopic fungus), and phylloxera, a pest that devastates vine roots. Year after year, the vines were replanted on American rootstocks resistant to this insect, allowing a slow reconstruction of the vineyard.
In 1937, Savigny-lès-Beaune officially obtained its AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée), thereby establishing a clear set of specifications for the production of its wines and defining a very precise territory.
After the recognition of the appellation, Savigny-lès-Beaune established itself as one of the emblematic vineyards of the Côte de Beaune.The winegrowing families then plant the best hillsides and modernize the winemaking methods. During the post-war period, the wines of Savigny become more open to international markets, benefiting from the general boom in Burgundy.
Since the end of the 20th century, the vineyard has been engaged in a process of enhancing the value of the “climats”. About twenty Premier Crus are thus recognized today, the most well-known of which are Les Vergelesses, Les Narbantons, and also Les Lavières. The appellation today also covers 350 hectares, of which nearly 40% are Premier Cru.
Map of the Savigny-lès-Beaune appellation
Soils and climate of the Savigny-lès-Beaune appellation
The Savigny-lès-Beaune vineyard extends mainly on the hillside, between the combes of Pernand-Vergelesses to the west and Aloxe-Corton to the east. This unique topography creates a mosaic of clay-limestone soils where limestone, white marl, red clay, and stony scree are present. Each plot thus expresses a particular facet of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, offering a beautiful diversity of wine styles.
On more stony and limestone soils, Pinot Noir reveals itself as structured, refined, and elegant, while lighter soils produce soft and fruity reds, with a pleasant freshness.
White wines made from Chardonnay are generally grown on more marl and clay areas.
The climats classified as Premier Cru, such as the renowned Les Vergelesses, benefit from optimal sunlight exposure as well as natural drainage, promoting a more precise expression of the terroir.
Finally, the weather climate of Savigny-lès-Beaune is defined as temperate continental, with cold winters, hot but moderate summers, as well as a thermal amplitude significant between day and night, favorable to the slow ripening of the grapes.
Savigny-lès-Beaune vineyard
The wines of the Savigny-lès-Beaune AOC
When we talk about the Savigny-lès-Beaune AOC, it is first and foremost its red wines elegant and expressive that come to mind.True ambassadors of the vineyard, they are made from Pinot Noir and usually reveal a brilliant ruby color as well as fresh red fruit aromas (cherry, raspberry, redcurrant), sometimes accompanied by floral notes (peony or violet). On the palate, it is generally silky and low in tannins, with a tannic structure sufficient to allow for harmonious aging. The potential varies depending on the terroir, but one can consider cellaring for 5 to 8 years for the “village” wines of the appellation and around ten years for quality Premier Crus.
The white wines of the appellation are, for their part, rarer (Chardonnay accounts for less than 15% of the plantings) but are just as interesting. These wines are characterized by a fine minerality, a balanced acidity, and notes of citrus, white flowers, or almond. The palate is often lively, reminiscent of the great white wines of the Côte de Beaune. Aging in barrels can, in turn, bring roundness and aromatic richness to these wines. These are bottles that can be kept for 3 to 5 years for “village” wines and 5 to 8 years for Premiers Crus.
Savigny-lès-Beaune also has 22 climats classified as Premier Cru. Among the most famous are Les Vergelesses, Les Lavières, Aux Serpentières, Les Narbantons as well as Les Hauts Jarrons. These Premier Crus produce mainly red wines that are more concentrated and deeper than average, with notable aging potential. A few "Premier Cru" white wines are also produced, but this remains rare (only 11 hectares of Premier Cru white are planted within the appellation).
In summary, the wines of Savigny-lès-Beaune offer a beautiful and noble diversity. From silky Pinot Noir to fresh and vibrant whites, from fruity cuvées to be enjoyed young to Premiers Crus designed for aging, Savigny-lès-Beaune is an appellation capable of seducing all palates and revealing the richness of the great terroirs of the Côte de Beaune.
What to eat with a Savigny-lès-Beaune wine?
Serving a bottle of Savigny-lès-Beaune at the table naturally raises the question: which dishes will best showcase the wines of this beautiful appellation? Here are a few ideas to guide you.
With red wines
The indulgent and fruity red wines from the AOC, typical of the "villages" plots, are best enjoyed with delicate dishes that highlight their suppleness. Thus, roast poultry, pork fillet, creamy mushroom risotto or even vegetable gratin will make excellent pairings. These fruity and low-tannin wines will also pair very well with slightly matured cheeses, such as a Chaource or a Brillat-Savarin, revealing their roundness and elegance.
The more structured and concentrated reds, often from the Premier Crus, will find better balance with grilled or roasted red meats, such as a rib of beef, a rare sirloin steak, or duck breast. Richer and more elaborate dishes, such as a game stew or a generous gratin, will also be excellent choices.
To fully enjoy the aromas and balance of Savigny red wines, serving at 14-16°C is ideal.
Grilled red meats reveal all the finesse of the Savigny red Premiers Crus
With white wines
The white wines of Savigny-lès-Beaune, made from Chardonnay, also present two main profiles.The classic whites, lighter and fresher, are excellent as an aperitif and with seafood dishes such as oysters, shrimp, and whelks with a hint of lemon. With grilled fish, roasted or in sauce, such as a pike-perch fillet with beurre blanc, pan-seared sea bass, or a salmon steak with steamed vegetables, they also offer a beautiful balance between freshness and roundness, highlighting the finesse and minerality of the terroir.
The Premier Crus whites, richer and more powerful, will be able to accompany richer dishes. They will therefore pair perfectly with creamy or more indulgent dishes, such as a mushroom risotto, a seafood gratin, or even slightly spicy dishes from Asian cuisine.
For cheeses, the white wines of Savigny-lès-Beaune also provide a pleasant contrast and a lovely liveliness. Fondue bourguignonne, light raclette or fresh cheeses pair very well with their acidity and their indulgence, without being overpowered by the richness of the dishes.
To fully enjoy the aromas and balance of the white wines from the AOC, serving them between 11-13°C is the most suitable.
The best wines of the Savigny-lès-Beaune appellation
It is difficult to talk about the wines of Savigny-lès-Beaune without mentioning a few emblematic estates. Among them, Simon Bize, Philippe Girard, and Jean-Jacques Girard stand out for their expertise. Each cultivates Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with passion, offering wines that perfectly respect the finesse and elegance of the appellation, from light and fruity cuvées to more structured Premier Crus. La Cave Éclairée nevertheless wishes to highlight an estate favourite offering various Burgundy appellations but producing sublime Savigny-lès-Beaune: the Decelle & Fils estate.
Here, respect for the soil and the grape is a given, and the estate is moreover certified organic. The winemaking process is gentle, barrel aging is carefully controlled, and prices remain accessible for the quality offered. Suffice it to say that if you are looking for an expert opinion: go ahead with confidence, as their Savigny whites and reds are magnificent reflections of their appellation, combining aromatic richness and lusciousness.
Vines of Domaine Decelle & Fils
You will have understood, Savigny-lès-Beaune is a treasure of Burgundy offering wines of great quality at prices that are still accessible for the region. You therefore owe it to yourself to discover the wines of this beautiful appellation of the Côte de Beaune! To do so, La Cave Éclairée is at your service, so please feel free to browse our website for our selection of delicious Burgundy wines... and much more. All the references in our range are carefully selected and we guarantee you fast and careful delivery. See you soon for wonderful oenological discoveries!
