The location of Beaune-Greves could not be better : right in the middle of the slope and directly above the city of Beaune : a perfect place to admire the city's medieval skyline, the multicoloured tiles of the Hospices and the roof of Maison Joseph Drouhin, near the Coll'giale Church. As it happens, Drouhin owns a large parcel in this vineyard. Beaune-GrSves is on a very steep slope. Its name probably comes from the French word "graviers" (small pebbles), due to the abundance of small rocks mixed with brownish soil. The vines of the Domaine are planted in Pinot Noir fin. Their density is extremely high and the pruning very severe. No fertilizers nor weed killers are used. The grapes are hand-picked and brought to the Drouhin cellars in small crates. Joseph Drouhin's winemaking technique remains traditional, fermentation occurs in wooden vats with punching down of the cap and pumping over the juice. The wine ages in oak barrels for almost two years and is fined with egg-whites prior to bottling. Together with Clos des Mouches, GrSves is to many people the greatest Beaune Premier Cru. The youthful blackcurrant aromas leave place to characteristic smoky flavours among which, pipe tobacco, with its spicy tone, is the most distinctive. With its elegant tannins and its light woody touch on the aftertaste, this is a seductive wine. The wines of Beaune and Beaune-GrSves in particular, are well suited to great cuisine and to fine meats: grilled veal or beef would be best with a younger vintage. Fowl, white meat and stews would be ideal with an older one, since Beaune-GrSves ages extremely well. But, whichever vintage you choose, it is sure to be a memorable occasion.