Wines Savigny-lès-Beaune Domaine Bruno Clair, Premier Cru la Dominode - Savigny-Les-Beaune - 2016

Domaine Bruno Clair's Premier Cru La Dominode 2016 from the appellation of Savigny-lès-Beaune is an eloquent expression of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. This red wine, emerging from a highly respected Premier Cru parcel, is shaped by the character of the 2016 vintage—a year marked by quality, albeit with challenging weather, leading to lower yields but concentrated, balanced wines. The grape variety is likely Pinot Noir, as is typical for the region, resulting in a wine that tends towards finesse and aromatic complexity. Domaine Bruno Clair is well known for careful viticulture and traditional winemaking that seeks to express both fruit precision and the subtle mark of the terroir.

The Savigny-lès-Beaune appellation lies nestled between the more famous Aloxe-Corton and Beaune, benefiting from a mix of limestone and clay soils that lend elegance and minerality to its reds. The Côte de Beaune is renowned for its slightly cooler climate compared to the Côte de Nuits, which leads to Pinot Noirs that are generally more perfumed, supple and approachable in youth, yet capable of graceful ageing. The vineyards of La Dominode, in particular, are often singled out for their depth, structure and lifted red fruit character. Bourgogne's rich winemaking tradition extends back centuries, with Premier Cru sites such as this holding a respected place in the region's hierarchy.

Given its vivid yet refined nature, this wine would pair beautifully with classic Burgundian fare such as coq au vin or duck with a cherry reduction. Other excellent partners would include roast guinea fowl, earthy mushroom dishes, or a simply grilled rack of lamb. The wine’s freshness and subtle structure also make it a versatile partner for soft cheeses like Saint-Marcellin, or a well-aged Comté.

For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16-17°C after a short decant, which will help reveal the wine’s layered bouquet and silken texture. This is a wine to savour over an evening, allowing it to open gradually in the glass, rewarding patience with each evolution.