DOMAINE XAVIER BESSON
Givry, France
Domaine Xavier Besson is a small estate in the appellation of Givry in the Côtes Chalonnaise that has been family owned for 4 generations, since 1938. The Domaine bears the name of the current proprietor, Xavier, who runs the property with his wife Guillemette. In recent years, their son Henri-Vital has stepped into a roll, learning the ropes from his parents and helping with the implementation of some more modern practices, such as converting the winery to entirely gravity-fed.
The family's 12 hectares of vineyards are grown in clay soil with a deep bedrock of limestone. Their vines are 30 years old on average with many having crested the 50-year mark. Everything is farmed sustainably; soils are ploughed but cover is allowed to grow between the rows throughout the summer. Green harvesting is executed manually, and selection is done on sorting tables in the vineyards.
In the winery, fermentation is carried out with spontaneously with indigenous yeasts after a brief cold soak, 3-5 days. Ageing takes place for 12 months in a combination of large 500L and traditional 228L barriques. The combination of old vines, conscientious vineyard work, and low yields, all contribute to their balanced yet forward style. Only minimal sulfur is used at bottling.
The property is set apart by two unique monuments to its considerable past; the cellar dates back to the 17th Century and features high arch vault ceilings, unique in the Burgundy. The estate is also set off by an 18th century dovecote prominently featured on the labels and further creating a palpable other worldliness upon approach.
We at Ideal came upon Besson when our longtime, beloved Givry producer Laurent Parize decided to retire and lease his holdings, including those in famed 1er Cru vineyard “Les Grandes Vignes.” Tasting Besson's first few vintages of these noble rows, it is clear Laurent's choice was well-calculated: Besson takes the vines to same heights we have come to expect from them.
Wines
Besson Givry Vieilles Vignes
Besson Givry 1er Cru Les Grandes Vignes