Domaine Simon Bize

Simon Bize has long been something of an insider secret, offering serious value and even more serious aging potential from its spectrum of plots. Now, they are justifiably starting to fly above the radar. A family-run estate founded in 1868 in Savigny-lès-Beaune, built an enviable reputation under Patrick Bize, who took the reins in the 70s. Since his death in 2013, the domaine has been run by his wife, Chisa, who had worked alongside her husband in their vineyards since 2008 and studied with biodynamic pioneer Anne-Claude Leflaive at the École du Vin et des Terroirs in Puligny Montrachet.

 

While only a couple of their vineyards operate fully biodynamically, Chisa ensures that the domaine’s techniques remains traditional and hands-off as possible. For the reds, that means harvesting whole or partially whole clusters, which are punched down by foot to avoid harsh extraction and see little to no new oak during barrel aging. Each cuvée is assembled in stainless steel vats prior to bottling, with no fining or filtration. This produces plush, weighty wines, with the feel of hearty, old-school Savigny-lès-Beaune. 

 

The flagship wines come from the steep slopes of vineyards like  1er Cru ‘Aux Vergelesses’ and even after decades taste as vivid as the day they were made. And that’s the crux of the matter: the concentration and balance of Bourgogne Rouge ‘Les Perrières’, let alone  Grand Cru Latricières-Chambertin, will ensure it ages beautifully.  Domaine Simon Bize may not always have been thought of among Burgundy’s biggest hitters, but the quality – and endurance – of its wines speak for themselves.