2023 Domaine Simon Bize Savigny-Lès-Beaune 1er Cru "Les Talmettes", Burgundy, France

ABOUT THE WINE

Les Talmettes is one of Domaine Simon Bize's most distinctive Premier Crus, sourced from a 0.80-hectare, south-facing vineyard planted in 1968 and 1978 on classic clay-limestone soils high on the Savigny hillside. Sheltered from cool northern winds, the site consistently produces a softer, more refined expression than neighboring Aux Vergelesses while maintaining exceptional freshness and precision.

Crafted entirely from Pinot Noir, the 2023 vintage reflects the domaine's signature philosophy of transparency and restraint. Fermentation is carried out with a significant proportion—often all—of whole clusters, followed by gentle extraction to preserve aromatic complexity and vineyard character. The wine is aged traditionally in French oak, allowing the fruit and mineral nuances to remain at the forefront. The result is a wine layered with vibrant red berries, floral notes, subtle earth, savory spice, and a lifted mineral tension that defines the finish.

While approachable in its youth for its perfume and purity, Les Talmettes possesses the structure to evolve beautifully over 10–15 years, gaining greater complexity with bottle age. Pair with roast duck, herb-crusted pork loin, mushroom risotto, veal, or roasted game birds, where its freshness and silky tannins complement rather than overpower the dish.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Founded in 1880, Domaine Simon Bize is regarded as one of Savigny-lès-Beaune's benchmark estates, producing wines that faithfully reflect the individuality of each vineyard. Today, the domaine is led by Chisa Bize, who has continued the estate's unwavering commitment to thoughtful viticulture and traditional Burgundian winemaking following the passing of Patrick Bize.

The vineyards are farmed with a philosophy that blends organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing healthy soils, biodiversity, and meticulous vineyard work. In the cellar, intervention is deliberately minimal, with whole-cluster fermentations, gentle extraction, and patient élevage producing wines celebrated for their perfume, texture, longevity, and transparency of terroir. Across its range, Domaine Simon Bize consistently crafts some of the Côte de Beaune's most elegant, age-worthy expressions of Pinot Noir, balancing classical structure with remarkable finesse.