Wines Savigny-lès-Beaune Joseph Drouhin - Aux Serpentieres - 2005

The 2005 Savigny-lès-Beaune "Cuvée Aux Serpentières" Premier Cru from Maison Joseph Drouhin is a splendid example of refined Pinot Noir from Burgundy’s renowned Côte de Beaune. This Premier Cru cuvée reflects the typicity of Savigny-lès-Beaune, with its expressive nose of red cherries, wild strawberries, subtle earthiness and a delicate hint of spice and violets. The 2005 vintage is famous for its balance and depth, showing ripe fruit character yet maintaining freshness and fine tannins. Grown on the distinctive marly, limestone soils of the "Aux Serpentières" climat, the wine was vinified with Drouhin’s trademark elegance: careful destemming, spontaneous fermentation and a judicious use of oak, adding complexity without overshadowing the purity of fruit.

Savigny-lès-Beaune is nestled in the northern part of Côte de Beaune, an area celebrated for producing red wines of delicacy and charm at a slightly friendlier price than its famous neighbours. The climate is moderately continental, offering warm summers and brisk, cool nights that favour slow ripening and nuanced aromatic development in the Pinot Noir. Historical records show winemaking here since Roman times, with Premier Cru vineyards like "Aux Serpentières" prized for their exposure and drainage, giving wines of both structure and finesse.

With its supple tannins, subtle savoury notes and red fruit core, this wine pairs beautifully with duck breast in cherry sauce, herb-crusted rack of lamb, or the classic Burgundian dish coq au vin. For regional authenticity, try serving it alongside oeufs en meurette or a delicate mushroom fricassée with herbs. The wine’s finesse also makes it a good companion to soft cheeses like Époisses or Chaource.

To fully appreciate the aromatic complexity and silky texture of this mature Côte de Beaune red, serve it between 15-17°C. Decanting for 30 minutes will allow its bouquet to blossom. Enjoy it now for its tertiary notes of undergrowth and leather, or cellar further for heightened evolution.