White dry
White wine – 100% ‘Chardonnay’
This is a prestigious white Burgundy wine from a historic Premier Cru plot, considered by critics to be almost equivalent in quality to a Grand Cru. This small vineyard, located at the foot of Le Montrachet, has held “Première Cuvée” status since 1855 and is renowned for its exceptional combination of elegance and power.
In the glass, it reveals a rich golden hue with a delicate greenish rim. The bouquet entices with notes of ripe pear, sweet lemon marmalade, and delicate orange blossom, complemented by subtle spices, freshly roasted nuts, and buttery toast. On the palate, it is full-bodied and expressive – layered, with a firm mineral backbone and vibrant citrus energy that gives the wine a harmonious balance and a long, graceful finish.
The grapes are hand-harvested from a small, nearly flat plot with clay–limestone soils, richly covered in Kimmeridgian-era fossils.
Fermentation and ageing take place in French oak barrels, enriching the wine with a delicate texture and complex aromatic nuances.
Serve at 12-14°C with fresh salmon seasoned with dill, crayfish in cream sauce, scallops, strong cheeses, and white meat dishes such as veal.
Domaine Jean-Noël Gagnard is located in the village of Chassagne-Montrachet and is renowned for its exceptional white wines made from ‘Chardonnay’. In 1989, Caroline L’Estimé took over the domaine from her father, Jean-Noël Gagnard, after completing her studies at a Paris business school. Her goal is to preserve the delicate character of ‘Chardonnay’, allowing the terroir to speak for itself.
The vineyards under Caroline’s care are farmed organically and according to biodynamic principles, while in the cellar she applies minimal-intervention methods. She avoids excessive use of new oak, does not employ reductive techniques, and rarely filters her wines. Remaining true to Chassagne traditions, the white wines are matured in neutral oak barrels for 18–20 months to preserve their natural aroma and structure. Since 2014, all 12.5 hectares of the family’s vineyards have been certified organic and are managed biodynamically.
Jean-Noël Gagnard wines stand out for their delicate aromas, refined structure, and pure ‘Chardonnay’ expression. They are an authentic reflection of Chassagne-Montrachet terroir and are suited for both early enjoyment and extended cellaring.
White wine – mineral and elegant, with notes of wild mushrooms, melted butter, dried herbs, and citrus fruits. The texture is rich yet balanced with freshness and harmony.
Red wine – although the domaine primarily focuses on whites, it also produces ‘Pinot Noir’, notable for its subtle red berry character, silky texture, and gentle tannins.
Domaine Jean-Noël Gagnard owns numerous prestigious parcels in Chassagne-Montrachet, including:
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets – elegant, mineral, and long-lived ‘Chardonnay’.
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jean – rich and complex, with delicate floral and honeyed aromas.
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Boudrières – known for its full body and long, lingering finish.
The domaine also produces village-level wines that often surpass Premier Cru quality.
White wines are matured in neutral oak barrels for 18–20 months to retain as much natural aroma and structure as possible. Filtration is applied very sparingly. This approach ensures the wines are open and harmonious when young, yet they also possess excellent aging potential – the finest examples, particularly from Premier Cru sites, evolve beautifully over 10–15 years.
