Presentation
The world-renowned Hospices de Beaune figures among the great Burgundian institutions. Founded in 1443 to help the most needy, this historic hospital is set at the heart of the old town, in one of the finest ensembles of European medieval architecture. Over the centuries, the institution has received donations and legacies from local families, mainly in the form of vineyards. Today they total nearly 60 hectares, representing one of the region’s most impressive winegrowing estates. Vinified on the premises under the direction of the charismatic winemaker Ludivine Griveau, these grand, prestigious wines are sold each year en primeur at a spectacular auction held in November following the harvest. Each year, as of 1916 or even earlier, Maison Edouard Delaunay has purchased some of the finest cuvées that it ages and bottles with utmost care for its best clients.
Terroir
Denis-Antoine Fouquerand and his wife Claudine made donations to the Hospices in 1832 and 1844. This wine was crafted from grapes grown on fine Pinot Noir vines in “Les Talmettes” that date back to 1965 and 1966, in “Les Gravains”, some of whose vines were planted in 1958, and “Serpentières”, with vines dating back to 1997. The Cuvée is composed of grapes from some of Savigny’s most reputable vineyards, located on slopes that benefit from southern exposure.
Winemaking
This wine was vinified by the Hospices de Beaune’s charismatic winemaker, Ludivine Griveau. The grapes were picked at their peak of ripeness and underwent meticulous sorting.Each plot was vinified separately. The destemmed grapes were transferred to vats and kept cold before undergoing fermentation. Very few punch-downs (1 per day) were necessary to extract the extraordinary richness of the 2018 vintage. Fermentation was followed by a 7-day maceration period. The pomace was then pressed and only the free-run and first press juices were used for this cuvée. It was aged for 18 months in new oak from the Bertranges forest in central France before being handed over to Maison Edouard Delaunay.
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Tasting
Gorgeous bluish red in colour with lovely viscosity. The nose is complex and boasts depth, along with scents of wax and noble wood, a touch of damp moss, humus and fern. These are followed by aromas of stewed fruits (plum), red berry coulis, elderberry and blackberry. The palate starts off magnificently, fullbodied and velvety with rather pronounced yet pleasing acidity featuring flavours of Cornelian cherry and blackberry, notes of hawthorn and a touch of mint that is highly typical of Savigny’s cold terroir. A nuance of flint recalls the presence of limestone pebbles contained in the soil. This is an outstanding wine, both complex and fresh, endowed with remarkable, elegant tannins that ensure cellaring potential of more than 10 years.
Food pairings
Perfect with eggplant parmigiana or sautéed beef with satay sauce.