Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru Les Peuillets

Les Peuillets sits at the southern end of Savigny-lès-Beaune, positioned on the boundary between Savigny and the neighbouring commune of Beaune. At approximately 250 metres elevation with a south-east aspect, the vineyard occupies 1.62 hectares within the Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru appellation. It holds premier cru status as one of 22 classified premier cru vineyards in Savigny-lès-Beaune, placing it among the most distinguished sites in this Côte de Beaune commune.

• One of 22 premier cru sites in Savigny-lès-Beaune
• Located on the Beaune-Savigny communal border
• South-east aspect at 250 metres elevation
• Total area of 1.62 hectares

The soils at Les Peuillets combine clay-limestone with gravel and sand, sitting above a bedrock of hard Callovian limestone known locally as pearled flagstones. The sandy component creates a warm, well-draining environment that encourages early ripening but also introduces a drought risk in drier vintages. This combination of free-draining soils, south-east exposure, and Callovian limestone bedrock contributes directly to the vineyard's capacity to produce concentrated, structured Pinot Noir.

• Clay-limestone topsoils with gravel and sand content
• Hard Callovian limestone bedrock described as pearled flagstones
• Sandy soils promote early ripening and warmth
• Drought risk in dry growing seasons due to free-draining sandy soils

The name Les Peuillets carries two competing etymological theories. The first derives it from the old French word 'Pelet,' meaning 'nothing' or 'misery,' a reference to the perceived infertility of the land. The second links the name to 'Puelle,' meaning 'young forest,' pointing to a forest that occupied the site during the 17th and 18th centuries. Historical records confirm the vineyard was cultivated before the French Revolution. It may have fallen into neglect in the period that followed, before being re-established as a premier cru site.

• Etymology: possibly from 'Pelet' meaning infertile land, or 'Puelle' meaning young forest
• A forest occupied the site during the 17th and 18th centuries according to one theory
• The vineyard was cultivated prior to the French Revolution
• A period of post-Revolutionary neglect may have interrupted its history

Les Peuillets produces exclusively Pinot Noir, yielding wines described as dense and generous with medium to full body. The style is characterised by elegant tannins, rich black fruit, and spice notes, a profile that reflects the warmth of the site and the structure provided by the Callovian limestone bedrock. Several well-regarded Burgundy producers hold parcels in Les Peuillets, including Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard, Château de Meursault, Domaine Pavelot, Domaine des Croix, and Albert Bichot, among others.

• Pinot Noir is the sole permitted grape variety
• Style: dense, generous, medium to full-bodied with black fruit and spice
• Elegant tannin structure distinguishes the wine from lighter Savigny premiers crus
• Notable producers include Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard, Domaine Pavelot, and Château de Meursault