Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru Les Charnières

Les Charnières sits within the Savigny-lès-Beaune appellation in the Côte de Beaune, positioned on both sides of the Rhoin River. This dual placement gives the climat a variable aspect, with the northern parcels facing differently from those to the south. Elevation across the vineyard ranges from 220 to 360 meters, a span that contributes to the freshness characteristic of wines from this site. The continental climate of Burgundy governs conditions here, bringing warm summers and cold winters with the attendant risk of spring frost.

• Straddles the Rhoin River, creating north and south aspects within a single climat
• Elevation range of 220 to 360 meters supports natural acidity retention
• Continental climate with warm growing seasons and cold winters
• Parent appellation: Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru

The Rhoin River creates a natural division in Les Charnières that extends to the soil composition beneath the vines. The northern side of the climat is dominated by limestone and clay, a combination that retains moisture and contributes structure and mid-palate weight to the wines. The southern side shifts to limestone with sand, a lighter, faster-draining profile that tends to produce wines with a more delicate texture. This internal variation means that different parcels within Les Charnières can express notably different characteristics, even under the same premier cru designation.

• North side: limestone and clay soils, providing moisture retention and structure
• South side: limestone and sand soils, yielding lighter texture and earlier drainage
• Limestone bedrock is consistent across both sides of the climat
• Soil variation within a single climat is a defining feature of Burgundy's terroir complexity

Pinot Noir is the primary variety grown in Les Charnières, consistent with the red wine identity of Savigny-lès-Beaune. The wines produced here are described as tender reds with floral and red fruit aromas and a fresh, elegant profile. This character aligns with the broader reputation of Savigny-lès-Beaune as a source of lighter, more perfumed Côte de Beaune reds compared to the weightier expressions of Pommard or Volnay. Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc are also permitted varieties, allowing for the production of white wines, though red wine remains the dominant style. The premier cru designation, first established for the appellation on 14 October 1943 with expanded restrictions compared to village-level production, applies to all permitted varieties grown within the classified boundaries.

• Pinot Noir produces the signature tender red wine style of the climat
• Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc are permitted for white wine production
• Floral aromas and red fruit character define the typical aromatic profile
• Fresh, elegant structure rather than power or concentration marks the style

Les Charnières received its individual premier cru classification on 21 May 1970, placing it among 22 classified premier cru climates in Savigny-lès-Beaune. The appellation-level premier cru framework was established earlier, on 14 October 1943, with more stringent requirements than those governing village-level Savigny-lès-Beaune. At just 2.07 hectares, Les Charnières is a small climat by Burgundian standards, and only a handful of producers work with fruit from these vines. Maison Capitain-Gagnerot, Domaine Roger Baudraz, and Domaine Cornu-Camus are among the producers associated with this climat.