Presentation
Located in Chassagne-Montrachet, Domaine Fontaine Gagnard is a family estate that has established itself among the great references of Côte de Beaune. Founded in 1985, it spans 12 hectares, mainly in the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation, with some parcels in Volnay and Pommard. The Fontaine family works their vines with care, applying sustainable viticulture and limiting interventions to preserve the integrity of the terroir. Harvesting is exclusively manual, and vinifications are carried out with precision, favoring fermentations with indigenous yeasts and aging on lees in oak barrels. The Chassagne-Montrachet wines from the estate stand out for their balance between richness and minerality, offering a pure expression of Chardonnay with aromas of white fruits, flowers, and great depth. A must for lovers of great white Burgundy wines.
Location
This east-facing parcel covers 0.3585 hectares and lies on a steep slope. The vines are planted on light, fossil-rich soils with very few stones, contributing to the wine’s verticality and mineral precision.
Terroir
The soil is filtering and rich in marine fossils, with a light texture and minimal stoniness. Its steep incline enhances drainage and sun exposure, resulting in wines of great tension and aromatic clarity.
In the vineyard
Throughout the year, from pruning to harvest, the estate tends its vines with meticulous care to ensure optimal quality. This includes regular ploughing, soil analysis, annual replacement of dead vines, and a commitment to sustainable viticulture. The approach is reasoned and respectful of the environment, aiming to preserve the integrity of the terroir.
Harvest
Manual harvesting ensures precise selection of grapes at peak ripeness, preserving the purity and integrity of the fruit.
Winemaking
Fermentation is carried out using indigenous yeasts, allowing the wine to fully express the character of its terroir. The must is gently pressed and settled before being transferred by gravity into oak barrels.
Ageing
The wine is aged for 12 to 18 months in French oak barrels, with 30 to 40% new oak used each year. This ageing process adds structure and subtle aromatic layers without overpowering the wine’s natural finesse. Before bottling, the wine is blended, lightly fined, and gently filtered.
Varietal
Chardonnay : 100%
Serving
Serving temperature: 10–12 °C
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru “La Romanée” Blanc from Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard is a high-altitude Chardonnay, both refined and vibrant. Its pale robe with golden reflections reveals a wine of clarity and elegance. The nose opens with white flowers, candied lemon, and wet stone, followed by a hint of fresh hazelnut. On the palate, the wine is taut and linear, with a chiselled texture and lively energy. The finish is long, saline, and pure, leaving a lasting impression of finesse and verticality. A wine built for ageing, expressing both altitude and depth.
Visual appearance
Pale robe with golden highlights.
At nose
White flowers, candied lemon, wet stone, fresh hazelnut.
On the palate
Taut and linear, chiselled texture, vibrant energy, long saline finish.
Food pairings
This refined Premier Cru pairs beautifully with delicate and elegant cuisine. It enhances iodic dishes such as warm oysters with lemon sabayon, scallop carpaccio, or steamed sea bass with citrus zest. Its freshness and minerality also shine alongside poached poultry with root vegetables or green asparagus risotto. For cheese pairings, opt for soft bloomy-rind varieties like Chaource or Saint-Félicien, which highlight its delicate texture and floral nuances.