Savigny-les-Beaune “Aux Fournaux” 2019 – Domaine Rapet Père & Fils

The Savigny-lès-Beaune “Aux Fournaux” 2019, crafted by Domaine Rapet Père & Fils, epitomizes the quintessence of Burgundy’s revered winemaking tradition. This exquisite red wine hails from one of the most cherished appellations in France, known for producing wines of remarkable finesse and complexity. The 2019 vintage stands as a testament to the exceptional skill and dedication of the Rapet family, who have been stewards of the vine and wine for generations.

The “Aux Fournaux” climat, nestled in the heart of Savigny-lès-Beaune, is renowned for its unique terroir that imbues the wines with a distinctive character. The soil composition, a mix of clay and limestone, coupled with the climatic conditions of the 2019 growing season, provided an ideal environment for the Pinot Noir grapes to thrive. This vintage benefited from a harmonious balance of warm days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to mature perfectly, concentrating their flavors while retaining a vibrant acidity.

Vincent Rapet, the current custodian of Domaine Rapet Père & Fils, approaches winemaking with a philosophy that emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the natural qualities of the terroir and the fruit to shine through in the final wine. The 2019 “Aux Fournaux” is a masterful display of this approach, with Vincent expertly guiding the winemaking process from vineyard to bottle. The grapes were hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, ensuring the highest quality of fruit was used. In the winery, traditional fermentation methods were employed, followed by aging in French oak barrels, a portion of which were new. This careful oak integration adds depth and complexity to the wine, imparting subtle notes of spice and vanilla that complement the vibrant fruit core.

Upon tasting, the 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune “Aux Fournaux” reveals a bouquet of aromas that captivate the senses. The nose is greeted with layers of ripe red and black fruits, including cherries, raspberries, and blackberries, intertwined with hints of earth, forest floor, and floral nuances, suggesting violets and roses. The palate is treated to a wine of elegance and structure, with the fruit flavors beautifully balanced by fine, silky tannins and a refreshing acidity. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of the wine’s complexity and the terroir’s signature minerality.

This wine is not only a reflection of the exceptional vintage but also of the Rapet family’s enduring commitment to expressing the unique identity of their vineyards. The “Aux Fournaux” 2019 is a versatile wine, capable of evolving gracefully in the cellar over the next decade or more. It pairs wonderfully with a range of cuisines, from classic Burgundian dishes like coq au vin and beef bourguignon to simpler preparations of grilled meats and vegetables, where the wine’s complexity and elegance can truly shine.

In the context of Burgundy’s vast and varied landscape, the Savigny-lès-Beaune “Aux Fournaux” 2019 by Domaine Rapet Père & Fils stands out for its authenticity and quality. It is a wine that not only embodies the character of its specific terroir but also reflects the passion and heritage of one of the region’s most respected winemaking families. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, this vintage offers an opportunity to experience the pinnacle of Burgundian craftsmanship, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in one of the world’s most esteemed wine regions.