Si Tu Sais

History of Si Tu Sais

The story of Si Tu Sais begins in London, in a City office. Patrick Johnston, then working in finance, decided to leave everything to go harvest in Burgundy. What was meant to be just one harvest became an irrevocable vocation. He would never return. Alongside his partner Sara Cunningham, also from the United Kingdom, Patrick gradually settled in the region and joined Maison Harbour in Savigny-lès-Beaune in 2017, where the couple acquired the technical and human foundations of demanding winemaking expertise.

In 2020, with several years of cellar experience and solid ties forged with local winegrowers, Patrick and Sara took the plunge and founded their own structure: Si Tu Sais SAS. The name, delightfully enigmatic, is both an invitation and a knowing wink, a way of saying that those who truly know Burgundy need no explanation. The first micro-cuvées came to light in 2020 and 2021, crafted in the cellars of Maison Harbour. Production evolved rapidly: in 2022, new parcels were integrated; in 2023, the négociant business moved to its own facilities, marking a decisive step toward autonomy. Today, Si Tu Sais produces approximately 25 barrels per year, a total production of around 6,000 bottles, with each vintage being a quasi-confidential edition.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Si Tu Sais

Si Tu Sais sources from partner winegrowers carefully selected for the quality of their parcels and the consistency of their cultivation practices. The grapes come from several emblematic appellations of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, two of the most renowned wine territories in the world.

Among the terroirs worked, we find the Pernand-Vergelesses appellation, nestled in a discreet valley at the entrance to the Côte de Beaune. The lieu-dit En Caradeaux, facing southeast at approximately 300 meters altitude, offers clay-limestone soils rich in silt and marl that give Chardonnay a sharp minerality and characteristic saline tension. The Côte de Nuits, with its Bathonian limestone terroirs and brown clays, hosts parcels planted with Pinot Noir that give birth to reds of remarkable precision. The regional appellations—Bourgogne Chardonnay, Bourgogne Aligoté, Hautes-Côtes de Nuits—complete the portfolio with wines of broader appellation but equally meticulous, from old vines selected for their character and soil depth.

Si Tu Sais' philosophy regarding viticulture is based on the trust placed in its partners, all committed to environmentally respectful practices, limiting chemical inputs and promoting vineyard biodiversity. This care given to the vine from the outset directly conditions the expressive quality of the wines produced.

Vinifications of Si Tu Sais

The oenological approach of Patrick Johnston and Sara Cunningham is distinguished by its lightness, precision and refusal of any aromatic or technical overproduction. The objective is unique: to let the terroir and vintage express themselves without artifice, in all their singularity.

For white wines made from Chardonnay or Aligoté, vinification begins with manual harvesting followed by gentle pressing. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels at low temperature, a technique that preserves freshness, promotes floral and mineral notes, and prevents any aromatic runaway. The yeasts used are exclusively indigenous, those from the grapes and the cellar, allowing spontaneous fermentations and aromatic profiles unique to each cuvée.

For red wines made from Pinot Noir, whole cluster fermentation is favored, a method that brings structure, freshness and a velvety texture without resorting to excessive mechanical extraction. Maceration is conducted delicately, respecting the fruit. Aging takes place in barrels, with a deliberately limited proportion of new wood so as not to mask the expression of the terroir.

In all cases, sulfur is used only in minimal quantities at bottling time. There is no fining, no filtration, no addition of enzymes, sugar or acidifying agents. Si Tu Sais wines are thus living, authentic wines that evolve magnificently in bottle and richly reward those who know how to wait for them.

The Cuvées of Si Tu Sais

Bourgogne Aligoté "Les Vris": Crafted from Aligoté grapes grown on limestone soils typical of the Côte d'Or, this cuvée reveals a pale robe with crystalline reflections. The nose is lively and precise, marked by notes of white flowers, candied lemon and a chalky minerality very characteristic of the grape variety. The palate is taut, saline, with fresh acidity that gives this white wine remarkable length and drinkability. 

Bourgogne Aligoté "Rimont": Second Aligoté in the range, this cuvée explores another facet of the grape variety, with a more open and fruity expression. The robe is slightly veiled, a sign of natural vinification without filtration. The nose evokes green apple, pear and elegant herbaceous touches. The palate is direct, fresh, with a clean and thirst-quenching finish. 

Bourgogne Chardonnay: From selected parcels in the Côte d'Or, this regional Chardonnay is one of Si Tu Sais' entry points. Fermented in barrels at low temperature, it reveals aromas of white flowers, citrus and gunflint. The palate is full yet precise, with beautiful mineral tension and a persistent finish. 

Bourgogne Chardonnay "Les Perrières": This cuvée, from a parcel whose name evokes outcropping limestone, eloquently embodies terroir Chardonnay. The robe is pale gold, brilliant. The nose blends notes of hazelnut, fine butter, acacia and chalk. The palate is taut and elegant, with natural acidity that underlines generous substance without heaviness. A wine for aging that will gain complexity with a few years in the cellar.

Pernand-Vergelesses "En Caradeaux": The clay-limestone soils and southeast exposure give the wine crystalline minerality and rare aromatic richness. The nose, delicate and complex, opens onto white flowers, hazelnut and a hint of fresh butter. The palate is balanced, taut, with a long and saline finish that marks the authenticity of the terroir. An exceptional wine to decant lightly and serve with noble fish or refined poultry.

Rully "Les Cailloux": From the Rully appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise, this Chardonnay cuvée expresses the more accessible and fruity character of this often underestimated territory. The nose evokes white peach, almond and lemon. The palate is both round and fresh, with beautiful tension and a mineral finish.

Hautes-Côtes de Nuits "Champs Perdrix": This red from the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits seduces with its finesse and readability. The Pinot Noir, vinified as whole clusters, displays aromas of black cherry, violet and lightly spiced undergrowth. The palate is supple, silky, with fine tannins and beautiful fruity length. An elegant red Burgundy wine, to drink in its first three to five years or to age for more complexity.

Hautes-Côtes de Nuits-Villages "En Chantemerle": Another red expression of the Hautes-Côtes terroir, this cuvée stands out with more structured substance and superior aromatic depth. The nose blends wild strawberry, blackcurrant and a hint of licorice. On the palate, the texture is velvety, the finish persistent and lightly tannic. 

Gevrey-Chambertin "En Billard": Centerpiece of the red range, this cuvée from the great Gevrey-Chambertin appellation immediately imposes its class. The robe is deep garnet, the nose intense and complex: black cherry, leather, sweet spices, smoky earth. On the palate, the structure is there, silky yet present tannins, vibrant acidity, a length that leaves one speechless. Vinified as whole clusters with the meticulous care characteristic of Si Tu Sais. To reserve for special occasions or entrust to your cellar for five to ten years.