Domaine Simon Bize et Fils is a truly classic Burgundian family domain: not large (22 hectares, with small plots spread across many appellations), but not too small, with production of about 7,000 cases per year; resolutely old-fashioned (wines typically feature 100% stem inclusion and discrete use of oak), and committed to making age-worthy wines from low-yielding old vines. The domaine is located in the 'truly classic' Burgundian village of Savigny-les-Beaune. If Savigny now enjoys a richly-deserved reputation for top-value burgundies, no one deserves greater thanks than the Bize family.

Patrick Bize, who sadly died at the young age of 61 in 2013, was one of the greatest characters in a region full of great characters. He was a livewire and an inveterate taker-of-the-piss who loved a good laugh, but there was much more to him than that. 'The thinnest man in Burgundy', he was a renowned gourmand. He was also humble, generous, deeply passionate and a very fastidious farmer. His wines were splendidly capable of funky gaminess but always precise and beautifully balanced - truly old-fashioned in the best possible way.  

Simon Bize produces a treasure-trove of great value Savigny-les-Beaunes from the top 1er cru sites, a magnificent Aloxe Corton, some astonishing Savigny-les-Beaune blancs and a tiny bit of Corton Charlemagne. The domaine has been farmed biodynamically since 2008. The wines are now made by Patrick's wife Chisa and his sister Marielle Bize-Grivot, who continue the family tradition of authentic, full-flavoured wines of great elegance and finesse.