Etymology: Gravains shares its etymology with Grèves and Gravières. They are derived from the latin Grava, meaning gravel, little stones, etc. (Source: Marie-Hélène Landrieu-Lussigny).
Size: 0.29 ha (0.72 ac)
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vine Age: Originally planted in 1902, some replanting in 1944, and plenty of replacements. It is a venerable vineyard, with many vines suffering from the court-noué virus that keeps yields low and causes plenty of millerandage (shatter), which is very desirable for its concentration of flavor.
Terroir: On one of our favorite hills in the Côte d’Or. It faces south and is located in the path of the of the alluvial deposits of the Rhoin river. The clays soils are consequently mixed with a high proportion of sand and rounded gravels. The name Gravains is derived from graviers, French for gravel. But there is also colluvial input of gravels and cobbles from upslope. Though the soils are fairly deep, because of the alluvial influence, they are also light.
Viticulture: Uncertified biodynamic
Vinification: 65% whole cluster, ambient yeast ferment. Aged in oak barrels (30% new) for 12 to 18 months. Since 2016, very moderate sulfur additions: none during vinification, a little during élevage and before bottling, for a total of 15 to 20 ppm. Becky Wasserman
"An acceptable ‘feuillette par ouvrée’ provided 3.5 barrels in 2021, whereas he made just 1.25 in 2016. Clear mid purple. A delicious floral aspect with adequately ripe fruit, showing the oak a bit. This year the lifted red fruit is high class, really good for Savigny. Very light reduction. Drink from 2025-2028." Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
