Savigny-Les-Beaune rouge, Petit Aigle AOP 2020

Wine description for Savigny-Les-Beaune rouge Petit Aigle AOP 2020 by Boris Champy

Colour & Appearance

A vibrant, luminous garnet red with youthful depth – remarkably present in the glass for a Savigny of modest ambition.

Nose

The nose is fragrant and herb-driven, with a dark fruit palette of crisp plum, sour cherry and a hint of redcurrant. These are joined by rose petals, fine herbal spice, a whisper of juniper and the characteristic, slightly earthy note of the stems – complex and inviting in equal measure.

Palate

On the palate, a juicy, accessible Pinot Noir unfolds with a clear, linear acidity that gives the wine drive and vibrancy. The texture is silky and well-structured, the tannin ripe and finely honed. Despite all its accessibility, a cool, lively vein runs through the wine – it is more than a mere quaffing wine, even though it works perfectly as a Vin de soif.

Finish

The finish is medium-length, fresh and precise. The interplay of lively acidity, ripe tannin and the subtle influence of oak suggests solid development over several years. Those with patience will be rewarded.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from two characterful parcels in Savigny-les-Beaune: the Les Planchots with their white chalky soils at the edge of the alluvial fan, and the higher-altitude Les Gollardes, whose flat, reddish-brown and stone-rich soils impart spice and tension to the wine. A terroir that prioritises finesse over power.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Pinot Noir from certified organic cultivation (Ecocert). Boris Champy destemms only 70 %, deliberately opting for whole bunches for structure and complexity. Spontaneous fermentation, gentle extraction, ageing in tonneaux for ten to twelve months – bottled without filtration. Artisanal care you can taste in the glass.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A versatile companion: classically with entrecôte with roasted potatoes and grilled green asparagus, but equally convincing with smoked spare ribs with grilled oranges. For vegetarian preferences: long-braised mushrooms on farmhouse bread with Beurre Bordier are a seductive choice.

Special Features

Part of Boris Champy’s Négoce series Petit Aigle – a project that demonstrates what serious négociant wine can look like when craftsmanship, organic cultivation and terroir-consciousness come together. Not a grand name, but an honest, characterful Burgundy with potential.