2020 Domaine Simon Bize Bourgogne Blanc "Les Champlains", Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Vineyard planted in 1993 and 1996 on an eastern-facing slope.

The Bourgogne Blanc Les Champlains always displays the more richness, roundness, and fullness of the two Bourgogne Blancs. The soil is very rocky, and there are several quarries nearby. Fermentation is in barrel. There is usually no sulfur added at the press unless the vintage requires it. The wine ages for six months in barrel then three months in tank. The final blend usually contains around 5% Pinot Beurot (Pinot Gris) which is partly why Les Champlains tends to be rounder than Les Perrieres.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The winery’s history begins in 1880 in Savigny-lès-Beaune. Since then many generations have followed, each contributing its own developments and knowledge to establish Domaine Bize as it is today. In 1880, the great grandfather Simon Bize owned a few vineyard parcels. It was a difficult period in viticulture, as all of the work in the vines was done by hand. In 1918, the grandfather, also named Simon Bize, assumed management of the winery, buying new vineyard parcels. With the help of a horse for plowing and new agricultural equipment, vineyard work became less tedious.

In 1950, the father Simon Bize undertook a decisive transformation of the domain. An excellent winemaker, he decided to bottle and sell his own wine, believing firmly in the importance of the relationship between ‘the winemaker and his/her clients.’ His savoir-faire permitted him to establish a client network of both private individuals and restaurateurs. The quality of his wine was recognized and appreciated by experts and connoisseurs. In 1972, Patrick Bize further developed his father’s goals. He built a cuverie, expanded the barrel cellars, and bought new parcels to offer a new, more extensive range of wines. 2013 marked the passing of Patrick Bize. His wife Chisa, his sister Marielle, and the entire team carry on Patrick’s ever-present goal of pursuing quality through careful and exacting work in the vines, working in harmony with nature, and striving to ensure the domain’s future in a healthy environment.