Description
Les Fournaux is the most eastern of the Savigny les Beaune premier crus. It has the finesse of Vergelsses but with more power coming from the clay soils. The Bize parcel is one hectare and was planted in 1962 and 1963. "Les Fournaux" refers to an oven used for melting ore and alludes to open-pit mining. Chisa Bize likes to describe wines from Les Fournaux as having the finesse of Aux Vergelsses but with more power coming from the clay soils.
The domaine’s history begins in 1880 in Savigny les Beaune. Since then, the following generations have each contributed their hard work and knowledge to the development of the domaine.
1880, Great Grandfather Simon Bize owns a few vines; it was a difficult time in the viticultural world where all work was done by hand.
1918, Grandfather Simon Bize takes over and is able to purchases some new parcels. Horses and the arrival of new agricultural materials make vineyard work less difficult.
1950, Father Simon Bize is instrumental in the transformation of the domaine. An excellent winemaker, he decides to market his own wines, believing in the personal relationship between ‘winemaker and consumer’. His know-how allows him to establish a network of private customers and restaurants. The quality of his wines is recognized and appreciated by wine connoisseurs.
1972, Patrick Bize accomplishes his father’s projects. He builds a vinification facility (cuverie), expands the cellars and purchases new parcels, permitting him to propose an extended range of wine to the public.
Throughout the domaine’s history priority has always been placed on wine quality; the utmost care and attention focuses on vineyard work and winemaking.
Today the domaine is composed of 22 hectares (52.8 acres) and the future looks bright. Where will we be in 50 years?
