Wine Petit-Roy Savigny-les-Beaune, 2021

Petit-Roy: A Rising Star in Burgundy

The Visionary Behind Petit-Roy

Petit-Roy is the brainchild of Seiichi Saito, a talented Japanese winemaker who has established himself as one of the most exciting new voices in Burgundy. Born in China and raised in Japan, Saito initially studied pedology (soil science), gaining deep knowledge of terroir before transitioning to winemaking. His journey in wine began in 2005 with an internship at a local estate in Japan. Driven by a passion for viticulture, he moved to Burgundy at the age of 22, where he trained at Domaine Simon-Bize while completing formal education at the CFPPA in Beaune. Over the years, he refined his craft working at Domaine Leflaive, Jacques-Frederic Mugnier, Armand Rousseau, and Simon-Bize, gaining invaluable experience in both viticulture and winemaking.

The Birth of Petit-Roy

In 2016, Seiichi Saito took the leap and founded Petit-Roy, starting with just 1.3 hectares of organically farmed vineyards and basic equipment. Over time, he expanded his holdings to 2.1 hectares, acquiring small parcels in lesser-known yet high-quality appellations. While he primarily cultivates his own vineyards, Saito also sources grapes from trusted friends who share his commitment to organic farming, effectively operating as a micro-négociant.

Winemaking Philosophy

Saito’s philosophy centers on organic and biodynamic viticulture, with a strict no-chemicals approach—a principle he holds deeply, given his background in chemistry. His wines emphasize purity, balance, and terroir expression, avoiding excessive oak influence. To achieve this, he does not use new barrels, preventing overpowering wood flavors from masking the natural character of the grapes.

• Whole-cluster fermentation is a hallmark of his red wines, enhancing structure and aromatic complexity. However, Bourgogne Les Lormes is an exception, as it undergoes destemming to highlight richness and a more approachable style.
• Aging occurs in a mix of used oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, ensuring freshness and precision.
• Sulfur usage is kept to a minimum, with certain cuvées like Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune SS bottled without any added SO2.
• Bottling is done without fining or filtration, preserving the wine's natural vibrancy and texture.

The Wines of Petit-Roy

Petit-Roy produces a diverse and captivating range of wines, all showcasing Saito’s meticulous attention to detail and respect for terroir.

White Wines:

• Bourgogne Aligoté – A lively, mineral-driven Aligoté with citrus, floral, and saline notes, complemented by a subtle nutty complexity.
• Altesse (Bugey, Savoie) – From limestone and marl soils, this local variety presents smoky, citrus, and tea-like aromatics.
• Bourgogne Blanc Aux Boutières – A step up from the Aligoté, this clay-soil Chardonnay offers rich notes of Meyer lemon, apricot, and tropical fruit, underpinned by chalky minerality.

Red Wines:

• Savigny-les-Beaune Rouge "Le Vermot" – From a 0.16 ha plot planted in 1929, this elegant Pinot Noir is hand-harvested and vinified with whole clusters. It undergoes cold maceration, spontaneous fermentation, and 20 months of aging (one year in oak, eight months in steel). Bottled unfiltered with minimal sulfur.
• Bourgogne Les Lormes (Pommard) – Made from younger vines, this is destemmed to enhance its rich and approachable profile.
• Bourgogne "de Sousa" (Pommard) – From vines planted in 1949, this wine is whole-cluster pressed, revealing spiced, lifted minerality.
• Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune – This wine is offered in two versions: a traditional bottling and an SO2-free “SS” version, which is pressed whole-cluster to enhance its spiciness and depth.
• Monthélie Le Meix Bataille – From a vineyard bordering Meursault, this is a powerful and thought-provoking Pinot Noir with deep black fruit, spice, and fine tannins.

A Rising Star in Burgundy

Petit-Roy is not just another new domaine—it is an authentic expression of Seiichi Saito’s unique vision, blending Japanese precision and Burgundian tradition. His wines are soulful, textural, and deeply rooted in terroir, offering a refreshing departure from the heavily oaked style that once dominated the region. With each vintage, Petit-Roy cements its place as one of the most compelling new producers in Burgundy, creating wines that demand both contemplation and pure enjoyment.