At a glance

Producer

Simon Bize & Fils

Region

Bourgogne, Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Chardonnay

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$42-$65 USD

Tasting profile

Fresh apple, pear, Meyer lemon, hints of hazelnut, white flowers, and signature mineral/chalky notes; clean, brisk, beautifully textured with a touch of salinity

Evolution: Emerging hazelnut and honeysuckle notes over time; orchard fruit mellows, more pronounced chalky minerality, subtle honey and toast with further age

At peak: At peak, seamless integration of fruit and mineral, soft texture, mild toastiness, with persistent freshness and verve

Structure

Acidity

High, vibrant and energetic—typical of quality Burgundy Chardonnay

Tannins

N/A (white; subtle phenolic grip, no red tannins)

Alcohol

Approx. 12.5%-13% ABV (moderate, classic for the region)

Aging potential

Medium-term (5-9 years from vintage); will develop more honeyed and nutty complexity through 2027, with freshness holding through 2029 in proper storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2039

Optimal window

2023 to 2042

Current status

Beginning to open up, highly enjoyable now, with further upside

Current condition

Primary fruit and minerality are in balance, with emerging complexity; will round out further with short-term cellaring

2020 was a classic, moderately warm vintage in Burgundy with balanced alcohol and fine acidity. Simon Bize's farming and minimalist vinification favor longevity, but as a Bourgogne-level (regional) white from a single lieu-dit, the wine is crafted for mid-term consumption—most expressive after 3-6 years, with sufficient structure to hold for up to 9. It will not develop the layers of complexity of a premier or grand cru, but will reward patience within its optimal window.

Food pairing

Finely textured shellfish (scallops, oysters), poached white fish, roast chicken with herbs, vegetable terrines, and creamy cheeses such as Chaource or Brie; excellent with mushroom risotto or simple grilled asparagus as well

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Low-intervention viticulture, cover cropping between rows, hand harvesting, restricted/eliminated herbicide use, native yeast fermentation; attention to vineyard biodiversity and minimal chemical input

Simon Bize & Fils is esteemed for thoughtful vineyard stewardship in Savigny-lès-Beaune, employing 'lutte raisonnée' to minimize chemical inputs while avoiding formal certification bureaucracy. Vineyard work is largely manual, with a strong focus on soil health, polyculture, and biodiversity. Cellar practices emphasize low energy use (gravity flow, low intervention). No notable certifications for carbon neutrality or full organics, but the estate's traditional and restrained approach supports environmental balance. Packaging is responsible but not ultra-lightweight or aggressively eco-designed. Overall, the sustainability profile is above average for Burgundy, though not at cutting-edge levels.