Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Hauts Marconnets

Les Hauts Marconnets sits high on the hillside above Savigny-lès-Beaune in the Côte de Beaune, classified as a Premier Cru AOC within the Savigny-lès-Beaune appellation. At approximately 2.1 hectares, it is a compact climat occupying an elevated position with a south-east aspect. The village of Savigny-lès-Beaune lies between Beaune and Aloxe-Corton, and while it holds no Grand Cru vineyards, its 22 premiers crus span both sides of the Rhoin valley with notably different characteristics.

• Premier Cru AOC, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Côte de Beaune
• Approximately 2.1 hectares total area
• South-east facing, elevated hillside position
• Adjacent to the Marconnets family of vineyards, which also includes Bas Marconnets

The soils of Les Hauts Marconnets are a combination of marl, chalk, and limestone, a composition that strongly favors white wine production and influenced the decision by major producers to plant Chardonnay here. The elevated position on the hill provides good drainage and sun exposure via the south-east aspect, creating reliable ripening conditions within Burgundy's continental climate. This combination of well-drained calcareous soils and favorable aspect is a primary reason the climat produces white wine in a commune known overwhelmingly for its reds.

• Marl, chalk, and limestone soil profile
• Continental climate with good ripening potential on south-east slopes
• Elevated position enhances drainage and reduces frost risk
• Soil composition directly influenced producer decisions to plant Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the dominant variety at Les Hauts Marconnets, making it a notable exception within Savigny-lès-Beaune, where Pinot Noir accounts for the vast majority of production across the appellation. Limited Pinot Noir is also grown here. The white wines produced are dry and full-bodied with fresh acidity, showing citrus and stone fruit character supported by a pronounced minerality that reflects the chalk and limestone soils. These are structured whites with the weight and complexity expected of a premier cru site.

• Chardonnay is the primary variety, unusual for Savigny-lès-Beaune
• Limited Pinot Noir also planted for red wine production
• White wines are dry, full-bodied, with mineral, citrus, and stone fruit character
• Fresh acidity gives the wines aging potential

The name Marconnets derives from the Marcomans, a Germanic tribe known from ancient and medieval historical records. This type of place-name etymology is common across Burgundy, where vineyard names frequently reference ancient peoples, landowners, or historical events. White wine production at Les Hauts Marconnets represents a deliberate departure from the appellation norm, driven by the particular soil composition of this elevated site. Domaine Chanson and Philippe Germain are among the producers who have championed white wine production here, recognizing the site's affinity for Chardonnay.

Domaine Chanson, one of Beaune's established négociant-domaines with a long history in the Côte de Beaune, produces a white Les Hauts Marconnets that has helped define expectations for the climat. Philippe Germain is another key producer working with this site. Given the small total area of just over two hectares, production across all producers is limited, contributing to the relative obscurity of this premier cru outside specialist circles.

• Domaine Chanson produces a benchmark white from this climat
• Philippe Germain is a noted producer of the site
• Total production is limited due to the small 2.1-hectare area
• Both producers have reinforced the white wine identity of the climat