Besson Givry Le Haut Colombier 2017

The Wine
Le Haut Colombier sits below 1er Cru ‘Les Grands Prétans’, in the heart of Givry’s finest terroir
100% Pinot Noir
Clay-limestone soils
30 year old vines on average
Indigenous-yeast fermentation
Aged in a combination of large 500L and traditional 228L barriques
Outstanding energy and a high pitch to the very pure red berry and floral flavors. Tactile, palate-staining wine

The Estate
Domaine Xavier Besson is a small estate in the appellation of Givry that has been family owned for 4 generation. The vineyards are grown in clay soil, with a deep bedrock of limestone from vines that are 30 years old on average, with many vines above 50 years old. The fermentation is done with indigenous yeasts after a brief 3-5 day cold maceration. Aging takes place for 12 months in a combination of large 500L and traditional 228L barriques. The combination of old vines, conscientious vineyard work, and low yields, all contribute to the balanced wines that Besson produces. Farming from superb vineyards like ‘Les Grands Prétans,’ Besson always provides superb Burgundy value: concentrated and densely expressive with brilliant perfume, heady fruit, and a velvety mouthfeel.

Xavier Besson holds 7 hectares of vines in the appellation of Givry, having inherited the estate in 1989 from his parents. Most of the vines are in the immediate area around the domaine (or chateau, really) with 'Les Grands Prétans' vineyard basically their backyard. The domaine is still quite small at 7 hectares and all the work is done by hand always with an aim for low yields and big, ripe fruit. The vineyards are grown in clay soil, with a deep bedrock of limestone from vines that are 30 years old (average). The fermentation is all done with indigenous yeasts after a brief 3-5 day cold maceration. Aging takes place for 12 months in a combination of large 500L and traditional 228L barriques – 50% new.

The combination of old vines, conscientious vineyard work, and reasonable yields, all contribute to the crowd pleasing, balanced wines that Besson produces. Farming from superb vineyards like 'Les Grands Prétans,' Besson always provides superb Burgundy VALUE: concentrated and densely expressive with brilliant perfume, heady fruit, and a velvety mouthfeel.