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 southeast-facing parcel covers 0.0769 hectares and was planted on a deep, clay-rich soil with a striking red hue. The terrain is relatively stone-free, allowing for excellent water retention and slow ripening, which contributes to the wine’s depth and aromatic complexity.
Terroir
The soil is very red, fairly deep, and rich in clay, with few stones. This composition lends the wine its roundness, tension, and expressive character, while preserving freshness and mineral clarity.
In the vineyard
Throughout the year, from pruning to harvest, the estate applies meticulous care to its vines to ensure optimal quality. This includes mechanical soil work, regular 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 careful selection of grapes at peak ripeness, preserving the integrity of each cluster and the purity 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 purity of the fruit. 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 “Les Chenevottes” Blanc from Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard is an elegant and expressive Chardonnay, grown near the prestigious Montrachet. Its clear robe with subtle golden reflections reveals a wine of finesse. The nose opens with floral notes of hawthorn and honeysuckle, followed by ripe white fruits (pear, apple) and a touch of candied citrus. Upon aeration, hints of fresh hazelnut and brioche emerge, reflecting a well-integrated oak ageing. On the palate, the wine is broad and precise, with vibrant mineral tension and a persistent, slightly saline finish that underscores its calcareous origin.
Visual appearance
Clear robe with golden highlights.
At nose
Hawthorn, honeysuckle, pear, apple, candied citrus, hazelnut, brioche.
On the palate
Broad and precise, with mineral tension and a persistent, saline finish.
Food pairings
This refined Premier Cru pairs beautifully with delicate and subtle cuisine. It complements noble shellfish such as langoustines or pan-seared scallops, as well as sole fillet with beurre blanc. It also pairs elegantly with poultry in light sauces, like guinea fowl supreme with mushrooms. For cheese pairings, opt for soft bloomy-rind varieties such as Brillat-Savarin or Saint-Marcellin, which enhance the wine’s silky texture and aromatic finesse.