WINEMAKER
Petit Roy - Seiichi Saito
Established in 2016, Chorey-Les-Beaunes, Burgundy
Some winemakers inherit a domaine. Others travel halfway across the world to create one. Seiichi Saito belongs to the second group.
Born in China and raised in Japan, Seiichi originally studied soil science before discovering his passion for wine. His journey eventually brought him to Burgundy, where he worked alongside some of the region’s most respected names, including Simon-Bize, Armand Rousseau, Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier and Domaine Leflaive. In 2016, he finally took the leap and established his own tiny domaine in Chorey-lès-Beaune: Petit-Roy.
From the beginning, his approach was rooted in organic and biodynamic farming, gentle extraction and a preference for whole bunches in his reds. No new oak, minimal intervention and a clear focus on letting the fruit and terroir speak for themselves.
But here is where things get really interesting.
Over the past few years, Seiichi’s wines have undergone a fascinating stylistic evolution. What was already precise and elegant has gained even more energy, clarity and definition. His Pinot Noirs are all about delicate fruit, fine tannins and beautiful aromatics, while his whites combine depth and texture with remarkable freshness.
There is something incredibly exciting about following a winemaker whose style continues to evolve. And Petit-Roy is a perfect example. These are not wines that rely on power or extraction to make an impression. They draw you in through their purity, their energy and the way they keep revealing something new with every glass.
For me, this is exactly what makes Burgundy so fascinating. A winemaker with an unconventional journey, a deeply personal approach and wines that continue to surprise me. And I am incredibly excited to have Seiichi as part of Between Two Bottles.
