2021 Benjamin Leroux Savigny-lès-Beaune

WINEMAKER: Benjamin Leroux
REGION: Burgundy, FR
VARIETY: Pinot Noir
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

The lion’s share of this vintage comes from the outstanding Aux Fourneaux lieu-dit in the north of the village. Leroux works with lots of Pinot Fin here (a high-quality, low-yielding cultivar of Pinot Noir); vines that give low yields and great concentration. Les Conardises also contributed this year, and both parcels were fully destemmed. The wine was matured in 600-litre barrels.

Benjamin Leroux is widely considered to be one of the most gifted and knowledgeable wine growers in all the Côte d’Or. Born and bred in Beaune, Leroux has always been considered a prodigy, studying at the Lycée Viticole in Beaune from age 15 and taking the reins at the esteemed Domaine Comte Armand when he was just 24. Leroux would stay at Comte Armand for fifteen vintages, while simultaneously launching his eponymous négociant operation in 2007.

Leroux’s knowledge of the Côte is encyclopaedic, and he has unearthed some very exciting, previously less well-known terroirs for his portfolio. It’s important not to underestimate how close Leroux works with these growers, as that is one of the keys to his ability to coax the finest fruit quality from the vineyards. He never buys juice or finished wine, only fruit; he nominates the harvest dates and will pick himself if necessary.