Simon Bize

History of Domaine Simon Bize

The history of Domaine Simon Bize begins in 1880 with Simon Bize, a viticultural pioneer in Savigny-les-Beaune. During the phylloxera crisis, he ventured into viticulture with a few acres of vines. This modest beginning marks the origin of a family lineage that would pass down its expertise and love for the land from generation to generation. In 1918, his son Simon took over the reins and expanded the estate by acquiring new plots. He modernised viticulture by introducing horses and agricultural equipment, thus easing manual labour.

It was in the 1950s that the estate underwent its first major transformation. Simon Bize (the grandson) made a bold decision: to market the wines directly instead of going through négociants. This approach allowed for establishing a privileged relationship with private customers, wine merchants and restaurateurs. The quality of the wines improved and began to attract the attention of connoisseurs.

In 1972, Patrick Bize, representing the fourth generation, took over the estate. He expanded the portfolio by purchasing new plots and building a modern winery. During his years of management, Patrick brought the estate's wines to the pinnacle of their art, making Savigny-les-Beaune an essential reference. After his tragic death in 2013, his wife Chisa Bize continued his work, infusing her own sensibility while respecting the spirit of the family house.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Simon Bize

Domaine Simon Bize is located in Savigny-les-Beaune, an often underestimated appellation of the Côte de Beaune, but one that harbours exceptional richness. The estate spans approximately 22 hectares, with a diversity of terroirs spread across several plots, some of which are among the most renowned in the appellation.

The clay-limestone soils, typical of Burgundy, offer fertile ground for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Each plot, whether it's the Premiers Crus "Les Vergelesses" or "Les Marconnets", benefits from a unique microclimate, allowing the grape varieties to express themselves fully and produce wines of great finesse and complexity. The estate's old vines, some planted as early as 1939, bring incomparable depth and structure to the wines, particularly those destined for ageing.

In terms of viticulture, Chisa Bize took the turn towards biodynamics as early as 2008, notably on the "Les Serpentières" plot, to respect the environment and produce more authentic wines. This choice demonstrates the estate's commitment to sustainable agriculture and respect for biodiversity.

Vinification at Domaine Simon Bize

The philosophy of Domaine Simon Bize is based on a vinification that respects the integrity of the grape and the expression of terroirs. Each step of the process is carried out with meticulous attention, from manual harvesting to barrel ageing.

White Wines

The white grapes, mainly from the Chardonnay variety, are gently pressed upon arrival at the winery. The must is naturally clarified before being transferred to barrels for spontaneous fermentation. The estate's white wines are aged between 9 and 15 months in oak barrels, of which 15 to 30% are new, which allows for adding subtle complexity without masking the fruit. The ageing process allows the wines to develop their freshness and fruitiness while revealing their depth and ageing potential.

Red Wines

For red wines, based on Pinot Noir, the estate favours a vinification method that respects the finesse of the grape variety. The grapes may be vinified as whole bunches or partially destemmed, depending on the appellation and vintage. Alcoholic fermentation lasts between 5 and 7 days, allowing the juice to absorb aromas and tannins. After gentle maceration, the wines are aged in barrels for about a year, with a minimum of new barrels to preserve the purity of the fruit. The estate's vinification method thus favours the elegance and balance of the wines rather than power or excessive extraction.

The Cuvées of Domaine Simon Bize

Domaine Simon Bize offers an impressive range of cuvées, both white and red, which illustrate the diversity and richness of Savigny-les-Beaune terroirs. Here is an overview of the estate's most emblematic cuvées:

Bourgogne Les Champlains (white)

Bourgogne Les Perrières (white)

Bourgogne Les Perrières (red)

Savigny-les-Beaune (white)

Savigny-les-Beaune (red)

Savigny-les-Beaune Aux Grands Liards

Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru Les Serpentières

Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru Les Fournaux

Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru Les Talmettes

Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru Les Marconnets

Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru Aux Guettes

Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru Aux Vergelesses (white)

Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru Aux Vergelesses (red)

Aloxe-Corton Le Suchot

Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru

Latricières Chambertin Grand Cru

Domaine Simon Bize has produced several remarkable vintages, not to be missed by lovers of great Burgundy wines. Here is a selection of the best years: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020...

Burgundy is full of prestigious and renowned estates. If you appreciate the wines of Domaine Simon Bize, here are other estates to discover in the region: Arnaud Ente, Comtes Lafon, De Montille, Domaine Leflaive, Dujac, Etienne Sauzet, Joseph Drouhin, Leroy...

Domaine Simon Bize is a true reference for Burgundy wine enthusiasts. With a rich history, exceptional terroirs and a deep commitment to quality, this family estate continues to produce authentic, fine and elegant wines. Whether through its Savigny-les-Beaune cuvées or its grand crus, Domaine Simon Bize perpetuates a tradition of excellence that seduces the most demanding palates. For those wishing to discover or rediscover the treasures of the Côte de Beaune, the wines of this estate are an essential experience.