Besson

History of Domaine Besson

The history of Domaine Besson begins in 1938, when Amélie Besson, the grandmother of the current owner, acquired a magnificent wine-growing property in Givry. Originally, the estate consisted of the vines surrounding the manor house on the cadastral lieu-dit Le Petit-Prétan, classified under the AOC Givry-village and Givry 1er Cru. This acquisition marked the beginning of a multi-generational family adventure, deeply committed to showcasing the unique terroirs of the Côte Chalonnaise, long underestimated compared to their more celebrated neighbours on the Côte de Beaune.

In 1989, Guillemette and Xavier Besson took over the reins of the estate and gave it a new dynamic. Driven by a strong desire to develop the family heritage, they acquired several additional plots over the years, notably in whites, and gradually extended the estate to 12 hectares. Their philosophy is clear: to showcase the personality of each terroir, including within the Givry-village appellation, by vinifying each plot separately. This plot-by-plot approach gave rise to the current palette of eight cuvées at the estate. In 2017, their son Henri-Vital, then aged 25, joined the family estate in turn. He brought an additional plot of Givry-village Le Petit-Prétan and wishes to further advance respect for biodiversity.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Besson

The vineyard of Domaine Besson extends over 12 hectares (originally 8.40 hectares, gradually extended), spread across some of the finest climates of Givry, as well as a prestigious plot in Beaune. In Givry, the estate cultivates several emblematic Premiers Crus: Le Petit-Prétan (the historic heart of the estate), Les Grands Prétans, Les Bois Gautiers, Les Grandes Vignes and Le Vigron, as well as a village cuvée Le Haut Colombier. The estate also owns a 0.90-hectare plot of old vines (approximately 50 years old) in Beaune 1er Cru Les Champs Pimont, in the Côte de Beaune.

The soils, typical of the Côte Chalonnaise, are clay-limestone, with nuances specific to each climat that lend each cuvée its aromatic singularity. The grape varieties are dominated by Pinot Noir for the reds and Chardonnay for the whites. The vines are tended with particular care, in an approach that is progressively more respectful of the environment and biodiversity, driven in particular by Henri-Vital. Controlling yields and achieving optimal grape ripeness are absolute priorities. Harvesting is done by hand, a guarantee of rigorous sorting and optimal quality of the grapes entering the winery. The estate also boasts an exceptional architectural heritage, with an 18th-century dovecote (featured on the bottle labels) and a 17th-century chai classified as a historic monument, with a magnificent pointed arch vault 45 metres long and over 6 metres high, unique in Burgundy.

Winemaking at Domaine Besson

In the cellar, within the magnificent 17th-century vaulted chai, Guillemette, Xavier and Henri-Vital Besson apply a precise and respectful winemaking approach that seeks to highlight the unique personality of each terroir. For the reds, Pinot Noir grapes are vinified in tanks with a cold pre-fermentation maceration, followed by alcoholic fermentation conducted at controlled temperatures. Punchdowns and pump-overs are measured, in a pursuit of extraction defined by finesse, so as to preserve the aromatic elegance characteristic of the house style.

For the whites, Chardonnay grapes are delicately pressed and settled before fermentation conducted in barrels, followed by ageing on fine lees. The aim is to produce precise, rich and complex white wines that truly shine after a few years in the cellar. Barrel ageing for both reds and whites generally lasts 12 months, with a measured proportion of new oak to support the structure without masking the expression of the terroir. This approach yields Givry wines of remarkable consistency and great nobility.

The cuvées of Domaine Besson

The Givry Blanc Cuvée Amélie is the estate's only white wine and is a tribute to Amélie Besson, Xavier's mother, who purchased the estate in 1938. A precise, generous, rich and complex Chardonnay, this very enjoyable wine truly shines after a few years in the cellar. A great white from the Côte Chalonnaise, marked by aromas of white flowers, yellow fruits and a fine minerality, with a long and persistent finish.

The Givry Rouge Le Haut Colombier is the estate's emblematic red village cuvée. A Givry that lives up to its reputation, marked by aromas of dark fruits, floral and savoury notes, and a smooth palate centred on the fruit. A lovely bottle that pairs perfectly with game birds, poultry and other fine dishes.

The Givry 1er Cru Le Petit Prétan is the estate's historic cuvée, sourced from the lieu-dit surrounding the manor house. A Pinot Noir of great elegance, marked by pure aromas of red fruits, a delicate mineral backbone and a persistent finish, selected in 2017 for the BIVB prestige cellar. It is the estate's emblematic signature.

The Givry 1er Cru Les Grands Prétans is the other flagship of the estate, sourced from a 1.50-hectare plot in this renowned climat. A Givry of elegance and indulgence, marked by notes of strawberry, raspberry and morello cherry that combine with an ample, velvety palate. The discreet ageing truly highlights this unique terroir: a genuine immediate pleasure that can also age patiently for a few years in the cellar. The label has been consistently praised by the guides.

The Givry 1er Cru Les Bois Gautiers is the third emblematic Premier Cru of the estate, also selected in 2017 for the BIVB prestige cellar. A Pinot Noir of great breed, marked by a dense structure, complex aromas of dark fruits, spices and undergrowth, supported by a noble tannic framework and a fine capacity for ageing.

The Givry 1er Cru Les Grandes Vignes is a Premier Cru sourced from a plot of old vines. A deep and structured Pinot Noir, marked by aromas of ripe cherry, gentle spices and undergrowth, endowed with an ample palate and a persistent finish characteristic of the great age-worthy Givry wines.

The Givry 1er Cru Le Vigron is another Premier Cru cuvée of the estate, sourced from a plot with its own distinctive characteristics. A Pinot Noir of remarkable finesse, marked by pure fruit, a delicate mineral backbone and an aromatic elegance that faithfully reflects the terroir.

The cuvée La Matrosse is an original cuvée of the estate, crafted from a plot with a strong character. A fruity and flavoursome Pinot Noir, with a balanced palate and a distinctive aromatic signature, offering a personal and pleasurable interpretation of Burgundian Pinot.

The Beaune 1er Cru Les Champs Pimont is the estate's Côte de Beaune gem, sourced from a 0.90-hectare plot of old vines of approximately 50 years. A powerful and indulgent Pinot Noir, this wine presents notes of fully ripe woodland fruits with a truffle-laden finish, in the great tradition of age-worthy Beaune Premiers Crus.