Les Sizies

Les Sizies sits on the northern side of Beaune, positioned at the foot of the hillside in a cool, northwest-facing orientation. The vineyard lies close to the boundary with Pommard, placing it at the upper end of Beaune's premier cru geography. At just 1.62 hectares, it is among the more compact classified vineyards in the appellation, and its lower-slope position gives it a distinct character compared to the mid-slope premiers crus further south.

• Northwest of Beaune town, at the base of the Côte hillside
• Located near the Pommard commune border to the north
• Lower hillside elevation shapes a cooler, more clay-influenced terroir

The soils of Les Sizies combine clay with chalky limestone, a combination that influences both the structure and texture of the wines. Clay retains moisture and moderates heat, keeping yields and ripening measured, while the calcareous limestone fraction lends minerality and contributes to the vineyard's signature chalky tannin profile. The cool, dry climatic conditions of the site reinforce the vineyard's tendency toward freshness and precision rather than richness.

• Clay-dominant soils with chalky limestone inclusions
• Cool, dry mesoclimate at the foot of the hillside
• Chalky limestone drives the mineral character found in the wines

The name Les Sizies comes from Renaud de Sessie, also recorded as Renaud de Sesie, a landowner active in the 13th century. De Sessie held this vineyard and also operated important tanneries within Beaune, connecting the vineyard's identity directly to the medieval commercial life of the town. The evolution from 'de Sesie' to 'Sizies' reflects centuries of linguistic change in place names across the Côte d'Or. This historical lineage is typical of Burgundian premier cru vineyards, where ownership records and name origins often stretch back to ecclesiastical or merchant landholders of the medieval period.

• Named after Renaud de Sessie, a 13th-century landowner and tanner
• The tanneries he owned were significant operations within Beaune
• Name evolved phonetically from 'de Sesie' to the modern 'Sizies'

Les Sizies produces medium-bodied red wines from Pinot Noir that lean toward generosity and accessibility rather than austerity. The style is described as fruity and open, with floral lift alongside red cherry fruit at the core. Mineral-driven structure and chalky tannins give the wine definition and length without heaviness. The combination of clay soils and cool site conditions keeps acidity lively, making these wines approachable relatively young while still rewarding short-term cellaring. The proximity to Pommard does not translate into the weight associated with that commune; Les Sizies reads firmly as Beaune in its lighter, more fruit-forward expression.

• Medium-bodied with floral aromatics and red cherry fruit
• Mineral-driven palate with chalky, refined tannins
• Fruity and open style, accessible with some early drinking appeal
• Cool site conditions preserve freshness and acidity

Despite its small size, Les Sizies attracts serious producers. Domaine de Montille, known for precise and terroir-focused Burgundy across the Côte de Beaune, holds a parcel here. Joseph Drouhin, one of Beaune's most respected négociants with extensive premier cru holdings, also produces from the vineyard. Pierre Mayeul and Bruno Colin Caves du Chapitre round out the producer list, offering a range of styles and price points within this small but well-regarded climat.

• Domaine de Montille: precision-focused domaine with strong Côte de Beaune reputation
• Joseph Drouhin: major Beaune négociant with consistent premier cru quality
• Pierre Mayeul and Bruno Colin Caves du Chapitre also present in the vineyard