Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru Aux Fourneaux

Aux Fourneaux sits within the appellation of Savigny-lès-Beaune, a commune tucked into the Rhoin valley just north-west of Beaune in the Côte de Beaune. The vineyard benefits from a south-west exposure, capturing afternoon sun and offering good ripening conditions in this continental climate. Savigny-lès-Beaune as a whole is flanked by two valleys, giving its vineyards varied aspects and microclimates; Aux Fourneaux occupies the valley that runs toward the village of Pernand-Vergelesses.

• South-west aspect supports steady afternoon ripening
• Continental climate with cold winters and warm, sometimes dry summers
• Positioned within one of Savigny's two natural valleys
• Part of the broader Côte de Beaune wine corridor

The soils of Aux Fourneaux are a defining feature of the vineyard's character. Composed of Bathonian-age marl and limestone, they are light in texture, carry a distinctive reddish hue, and are scattered with sharp stones. The ferruginous (iron-rich) nature of the soils contributes to the wine's structure and the particular spice character that producers and critics note in the appellation. This combination of well-drained, stony ground over ancient calcareous bedrock is classic Côte de Beaune terroir for premier cru red Burgundy.

• Bathonian-age marl and limestone parent material
• Light, reddish, iron-rich (ferruginous) soils
• Sharp stone content aids drainage and heat retention
• Calcareous base typical of high-quality Côte de Beaune sites

The name Aux Fourneaux translates to 'the furnaces' or 'the kilns,' a direct reference to coal kilns whose remains have been uncovered within the vineyard boundaries. This industrial heritage, though long past, gives the lieu-dit an evocative identity. Savigny-lès-Beaune itself carries deep historical roots; its vineyards were historically associated with the Dukes of Burgundy and with religious houses, grounding the commune in the centuries-long tradition of Burgundian viticulture. The AOC was formally established in 1937, and premier cru status formalised the hierarchy of the commune's finest sites including Aux Fourneaux.

• Name references coal kilns found archaeologically within the vineyard
• Savigny vineyards were historically held by the Dukes of Burgundy and religious institutions
• AOC designation dates from 1937
• Alternate spelling 'Aux Fournaux' appears on some producer labels

Aux Fourneaux produces only red wine from Pinot Noir, as is standard across the Savigny-lès-Beaune premier cru tier. Wines from this vineyard are characterised by a cherry-red colour, delicate and fruity aromas, and a graceful structure on the palate. The tannins are elegant rather than grippy, and the texture is described as velvety. Spice notes layer onto the core red fruit, reflecting the iron-rich terroir. Savigny-lès-Beaune as an appellation is known for producing approachable, food-friendly Burgundies that offer genuine premier cru quality without always commanding the price premiums of nearby Beaune or Pommard.

Several respected Burgundian domaines and negociants produce wine from Aux Fourneaux. Domaine Simon Bize & Fils is among the most celebrated names associated with Savigny-lès-Beaune, and Maison Joseph Drouhin brings negociant expertise to the appellation. Domaine Rapet Père & Fils, based in Pernand-Vergelesses, also works with this site, as do Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard, Domaine Jean-Pierre Maldant, and Noirot Carrière. Together these producers illustrate the range of styles possible from this premier cru, from domaine-bottled single-vineyard expressions to negociant selections.

• Domaine Simon Bize & Fils: a benchmark Savigny-lès-Beaune producer
• Maison Joseph Drouhin: major Beaune-based negociant with wide appellation coverage
• Domaine Rapet Père & Fils: Pernand-Vergelesses based, quality-focused
• Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard and Noirot Carrière also bottle this premier cru