Sparkling dry
For those seeking a refined alternative to Champagne with Burgundian soul, the Jean-Noël Gagnard Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs "Grand Lys" 2020 delivers exceptional craftsmanship, elegance, and terroir-driven character at an outstanding value.
On the nose, expect an intricate bouquet of delicate red fruits like wild strawberry and raspberry, intertwined with subtle hints of citrus zest (lemon, grapefruit) and a distinct mineral undertone. As it evolves, notes of brioche, toasted nuts, and a touch of white flowers emerge.
The palate is crisp, precise, and remarkably elegant, with a fine, persistent mousse. Flavors echo the aromas, showcasing a beautiful tension between vibrant acidity and a creamy texture, leading to a long, clean finish infused with that characteristic Burgundian minerality. This offers a sophisticated and age-worthy sparkling experience that speaks eloquently of its place of origin.
A sparkling masterpiece from Chassagne-Montrachet, this wine reflects the noble terroir of the Côte de Beaune—where limestone-rich soils, cool microclimates, and centuries of viticultural heritage converge to shape wines of precision and depth.
Serve at 6-8 °C with oysters, salmon steak or soft cheeses.
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.