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Aux Gravains

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Aux Gravains is a 6.1-hectare Premier Cru in Savigny-lès-Beaune delivering mineral, savory Pinot Noir from iron-rich gravel soils. The triangular vineyard sits roughly half a mile east of the village, with a south-facing aspect and elevations ranging from 250 to 400 metres. Its name derives directly from the gravelly soils deposited by the nearby Combe de l'Orange valley.

Key Facts
  • Premier Cru appellation within Savigny-lès-Beaune, Côte de Beaune
  • 6.1 hectares total vineyard area
  • Elevation ranges from 250 to 400 metres
  • South-facing aspect with excellent sunlight exposure
  • Soils are sandy, marly gravel with clay, iron-rich limestone, and oolitic ironstone
  • Triangular vineyard located approximately half a mile east of Savigny-lès-Beaune village
  • Name references the gravels washed down from the Combe de l'Orange valley

📍Location and Landscape

Aux Gravains occupies a compact triangular parcel of 6.1 hectares situated roughly half a mile east of the village of Savigny-lès-Beaune. The vineyard sits within the broader Côte de Beaune subregion of Burgundy, classified as Premier Cru under the Savigny-lès-Beaune appellation. Elevations span a wide range from 250 to 400 metres, and the south-facing orientation ensures strong sunlight accumulation across the growing season. The temperate continental climate of the Côte de Beaune provides the warm summers and cool autumns that Pinot Noir requires to develop both ripeness and structure.

  • Triangular parcel of 6.1 hectares east of Savigny-lès-Beaune village
  • South-facing aspect maximises sunlight exposure
  • Elevations from 250 to 400 metres across the site
  • Temperate continental climate typical of the Côte de Beaune

🪨Soils and the Gravains Name

The vineyard's name is a direct reference to its defining physical characteristic: the gravelly soils deposited over centuries by water flowing down from the Combe de l'Orange valley to the west. These gravels are sandy and marly in composition, mixed with clay and underpinned by iron-rich limestone and oolitic ironstone. The iron content of the subsoil is a consistent feature across many Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Crus and contributes significantly to the earthy, savory character found in wines from this site. The free-draining gravel layer on top prevents excess water retention while the clay fraction retains enough moisture to sustain the vines through drier periods.

  • Sandy, marly gravel with clay at the surface layer
  • Iron-rich limestone and oolitic ironstone in the subsoil
  • Gravel deposited by the Combe de l'Orange valley over time
  • Free-draining soils with clay providing moisture retention
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🍷Wine Style

Aux Gravains is planted predominantly with Pinot Noir, producing red wines that reflect the mineral and savory personality of their iron-rich terroir. The wines are medium to full-bodied by Burgundy standards, with fine-grained tannins and a characteristic earthiness that sets them apart from the more fruit-forward Premiers Crus found elsewhere on the Côte de Beaune. Mineral tension runs through the palate, and the best examples show genuine complexity alongside good aging potential. Chardonnay is also permitted and grown, though red wine production dominates the appellation.

  • Pinot Noir is the dominant variety; Chardonnay is also permitted
  • Medium to full-bodied style with fine tannins
  • Earthy, savory, and mineral-driven character
  • Good aging potential in top vintages
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🏠Notable Producers

Several producers work with fruit from Aux Gravains, ranging from established Burgundian domaines to newer négociant operations. Domaine Pierre Guillemot and Domaine Maldant-Pauvelot are among the traditional domaine names associated with the site. Domaine d'Alussia and David Duband also produce wine from this Premier Cru, while the British négociant Mischief and Mayhem brings an international perspective to sourcing and producing from this address. The diversity of producers reflects the growing recognition of Savigny-lès-Beaune as a source of serious, terroir-driven Burgundy at relatively accessible price points compared to Pommard or Volnay.

  • Domaine Pierre Guillemot: established domaine in Savigny-lès-Beaune
  • Domaine Maldant-Pauvelot: traditional Burgundian producer
  • David Duband: respected négociant across the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune
  • Mischief and Mayhem: British négociant sourcing from Burgundy
Flavor Profile

Earthy and savory red fruit, cherry, iron and mineral notes from the ironstone subsoil, fine-grained tannins, medium to full body, with a persistent mineral finish. Less overtly fruity than many Côte de Beaune Premiers Crus, leaning toward savory complexity.

Food Pairings
Roast duck breast with cherry jusBraised lamb shoulder with root vegetablesMushroom and truffle risottoAged Comté or Époisses cheeseChicken liver pâté with briochePinot Noir-based beef bourguignon
Wines to Try
  • Domaine Pierre Guillemot Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru Aux Gravains$45-65
    Traditional domaine expression showcasing the iron-rich, earthy terroir of Aux Gravains with classic Savigny structure.Find →
  • Domaine Maldant-Pauvelot Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru Aux Gravains$40-60
    Reliable Burgundian domaine producing mineral-driven Pinot Noir true to the savory character of the site.Find →
  • Mischief and Mayhem Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru Aux Gravains$45-70
    British négociant offering approachable access to Aux Gravains fruit with a focus on terroir transparency.Find →
How to Say It
Aux Gravainsoh gra-VAN
Savigny-lès-Beaunesav-een-YEE lay BONE
Côte de Beaunecoat duh BONE
📝Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS
  • Aux Gravains is a Premier Cru within Savigny-lès-Beaune, Côte de Beaune, covering 6.1 hectares
  • South-facing aspect and elevations of 250 to 400 metres characterise the site
  • Soils are sandy marly gravel over iron-rich limestone and oolitic ironstone, producing earthy, mineral Pinot Noir
  • The name derives from gravels deposited by the Combe de l'Orange valley
  • Wine style is medium to full-bodied, savory, and mineral-driven; fine tannins; good aging potential