Pavelot, J-M Savigny-les-Beaune Aux Guettes 2017

The 2017 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru "Aux Guettes" from Domaine Jean-Marc et Hugues Pavelot has entered its prime drinking window, offering a brilliant illustration of why this under-the-radar producer has developed a cult following among Burgundy insiders. Now with five years of bottle age, this wine showcases the elegant, mineral-driven style that has made Pavelot the reference producer for this overlooked appellation.

In the glass, the wine displays a translucent garnet core with subtle brick reflections at the rim—the hallmark of properly maturing Burgundy. The moderate color extraction characteristic of Pavelot's traditional winemaking approach has allowed for graceful evolution while maintaining surprising youthfulness.

The nose is immediately captivating with its sophisticated bouquet of red cherries, wild strawberries, and forest floor, complemented by subtle notes of dried rose petals and autumn leaves. With aeration, more complex elements emerge: crushed stone minerality, delicate baking spices, and that distinctive iron-tinged quality that defines Aux Guettes' terroir. The well-integrated oak influence provides subtle structure without masking the wine's intrinsic character.

On the palate, this 2017 Aux Guettes strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and complexity. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins that have softened beautifully, the wine delivers concentrated red fruit flavors framed by bright, refreshing acidity. What distinguishes this bottling is its remarkable mineral precision and energy—characteristics that have become Pavelot's signature and reflect the stony, iron-rich soils of the Aux Guettes vineyard.

The finish is extraordinarily persistent for a wine at this price point, gradually transitioning from pure fruit to more nuanced savory and mineral notes that linger with remarkable clarity. A subtle saline quality enhances the wine's overall elegance and food-friendly profile.

Production Notes

Aux Guettes is a premier cru vineyard located on the upper slopes of Savigny-lès-Beaune, characterized by its steep incline and poor, stony soils with significant iron content. This terroir typically produces wines with pronounced minerality and excellent aging potential—characteristics that have been enhanced by the balanced nature of the 2017 vintage.

Under Hugues Pavelot's leadership, the domaine practices sustainable viticulture with organic influences, though without certification. Yields are carefully controlled through pruning and green harvesting when necessary. All grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously sorted. Traditional winemaking techniques include partial destemming (approximately 30% whole clusters), native yeast fermentation, and gentle extraction methods. Aging takes place over 16-18 months in French oak barrels (approximately 25-30% new) before bottling without fining and minimal filtration.

Why We Love It

The 2017 Savigny-lès-Beaune Aux Guettes from Pavelot represents one of Burgundy's last great values. While prices for wines from more famous villages continue to escalate beyond reach, Savigny-lès-Beaune remains a source of authentic, terroir-driven Burgundy at remarkably reasonable prices, particularly from producers of Pavelot's caliber.

This bottling beautifully demonstrates why Savigny-lès-Beaune deserves more attention from serious Burgundy enthusiasts. The combination of bright red fruits, mineral precision, and structural elegance creates a wine that delivers tremendous pleasure now while continuing to develop greater complexity over the next 5-7 years. For collectors seeking authentic Burgundy expressions without the premium pricing of more prestigious appellations, this wine deserves serious consideration.

Perfect Pairings

The wine's vibrant acidity and elegant structure make it extremely versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with classic Burgundian dishes like roasted chicken with morel mushrooms or coq au vin, but also complements lighter fare such as grilled salmon or mushroom risotto. For a particularly memorable experience, try with herb-crusted rack of lamb or duck breast with cherry sauce.

Technical Details

• Appellation: Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru
• Vineyard: Aux Guettes
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Alcohol: 13%
• Aging: 16-18 months in French oak (25-30% new)
• Farming: Sustainable with organic practices
• Optimal Drinking Window: 2022-2029
• Direct Import: Shipped from temperature-controlled European cellars