Our tasting impressions
In the previous vintage, we preferred Guillaume’s Les Haut Jarrons, among his 1er Cru Savigny. For 2017, Les Peuillets was our clear choice for its more formidable structure and richness. This and the tannins belie the vintage’s trademark lightness, making this a wine of real substance that is bright, expressive and charming. Drinkable in the near-term, but like most Savigny - a wine for the ages, no doubt!
About this wine
Les Peuillets is a 1er cru Pinot Noir vineyard in the southern section of Savigny - not far from Haut Jarrons. The soil in this area is more sand and pebbles so the wines tend to have more firmness and power than the crus to the north. Guiton’s southeast facing plot, with vines as dating back to the 1940’s, is harvested by hand to yields of 40 hl/ha.
Fermentation takes 20 days with cold maceration, including pigéage (punching down the cap). The wine ages in oak barrels (20% new) for 18 months. A light filtration is done before bottling if necessary. About 2,900 bottles are produced annually.
About the grape
Pinot Noir is an ancient grape from eastern France. Notoriously challenging, it thrives in cooler climates. The concept of terroir is most closely identified with Burgundy because the lightness of Pinot Noir enables it to so transparently express minor differences (which is why experienced tasters can discern the difference in wines produced from vineyards in very close proximity). Intense popularity resulted in plantings all over the world but most agree that its finest expression is in the Côte d’Or of Burgundy.
About the vintage
A bountiful crop was welcome after the major decline of the previous year. The Pinot Noir was generally fruity, reasonably acidic and gentle in tannins. Many wines appeared from barrel to be light and potentially short-lived, but since bottling they have been bulking up. What started out looking like a restaurant vintage (early consumption) now shows signs of becoming more exceptional.
Suggested Glassware: Grassl Cru
Guillaume Guiton is a fiercely dedicated and extraordinary vigneron and a super nice guy. In the grand scheme of Burgundy, his vineyards would be considered modest...his wines, we consider, anything but.
He has been running this 11.5 hectare Domaine since 2002. His father Jean started it in 1973. Very much a hybrid estate, Guillaume owns 4ha, rents the rest and even buys grapes in his pursuit of the best he can get. He produces about 50,000 bottles per year.
He is a devoted terroirista, who welcomes the opportunity not to intervene in what nature offers. His methods vary based on vintage circumstances but he usually de-stems his red grapes and mostly avoids fining and filtration.
Guillaume is an intense student of barrels. He raises many wines in a variety of barrels before blending, only uses them for 6 years and never employs more than 20% new oak.