White dry
Discover the exceptional Jean-Noël Gagnard Côte de Beaune "Sous Éguisons" 2023, a testament to ‘Chardonnay's’ power in a unique terroir.
On the nose, expect a matchstick mineral note alongside vibrant citrus, leading to a palate of grapefruit, lemon, and lime. A slight creaminess balances the precise, linear structure and integrated acidity, culminating in a pure, pristine character and a mineral finish.
The name "Sous Éguisons" refers to the cliff above the vineyard. The cliff offers protection from the north winds, which is a significant advantage given how harsh the climate is and how bitter the spring frosts are at this altitude.
Aged 12-15 months on lees in barrels (33% new), this wine embodies the tradition and experience of great quality, offering a sophisticated and age-worthy expression of Hautes-Côtes de Beaune “Chardonnay”.
Serve at 10-12°C. Ideal with meaty fish (halibut, cod), lobster, crab, scallops, risotto with seafood/bearnaise. On grilled roast chicken or salmon.
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.