Chandon de Briailles Savigny-lès-Beaune "Les Lavières," 1er Cru '22

Domaine Chandon de Briailles is a historic, family-run estate in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, founded in 1834 and still stewarded by the de Nicolay family. With roughly 14 hectares spread across Savigny-lès-Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses, and the grand cru slopes of Corton, the domaine is known for its classical terroirs of limestone and marl and its steadfast commitment to biodynamic viticulture—banning synthetic treatments as early as 1989 and earning Demeter certification by 2011. Today François and Claude de Nicolay guide an approach that emphasizes natural wine making. In the vineyard, ploughing is done by horses, treatments are kept to a minimum, and soil is worked by hand. In the winery, they employ
whole-cluster fermentations, minimal new oak, and even make their own sulphur dioxide, which is used sparingly. The results are wines of incredible purity, finesse, and clear expression of place. As a long time fan of these wines, I can say clearly that the 2022 vintage is probably the best vintage I’ve ever tasted from the Domaine. 

Les Lavières lies on the mid- to upper-slope of the Savigny-lès-Beaune appellation, often regarded as one of the finest vineyards within the commune. The name “Lavières” derives from the old French word lave (meaning “flat slate or thin limestone slab”) — referring to the thin flat stones found in the sub-soil of the site.

The soils are argilo-calcaire (clay-limestone) with a strong presence of limestone and the characteristic flat “lave” slabs in the sub-soil. The vineyard tends to face south/south-east, giving it good sun exposure while benefiting from cooler nights thanks to its elevation. Vines on certain parcels are mature—examples include plantings dating from 1937 on around 0.35 ha.
The combination of elevated site + limestone-rich soil + mature vines means the vineyard offers wines of elegance, minerality and vitality rather than overt power.