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
The Montrachet Grand Cru plot from Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard covers 0.0781 hectares and is located at an altitude of 260 meters. It benefits from a south to southwest exposure, ensuring optimal sunlight throughout the day. The vines were planted between 1930 and 1979, contributing to the depth and maturity of the wine produced.
Terroir
The soil is composed of Argovian marls, marbled with clay layers in varying colors—red, green, violet, and orange. This geological diversity, combined with the vineyard’s slope and exposure, gives the wine its distinctive mineral tension and aromatic complexity.
In the vineyard
Throughout the year, from pruning to harvest, the estate applies meticulous care to its vines to ensure the highest quality potential. This includes regular soil tilling, annual replacement of dead vines, frequent soil analysis, and a commitment to sustainable viticulture. The approach is reasoned and respectful of the environment, aiming to preserve the integrity of the terroir.
Harvest
The grapes are harvested manually to ensure careful selection and preserve the integrity of each cluster. This attention to detail is essential for a Grand Cru of this stature.
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, where fermentation takes place.
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
Serve at a temperature between 10 and 12 °C to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and texture.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
The Montrachet Grand Cru Blanc from Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard is a majestic expression of Chardonnay, combining power, purity, and finesse. Its golden, luminous robe introduces a deep and layered nose with aromas of ripe white fruits, acacia blossom, honey, and warm stone. On the palate, the wine is broad and structured, with a silky texture and remarkable mineral tension. The balance between richness and freshness is impeccable, and the long, persistent finish reveals elegant notes of hazelnut and fine butter, hallmarks of Burgundy’s greatest white wines.
Food pairings
This exceptional Grand Cru deserves refined, gastronomic cuisine. It pairs beautifully with roasted blue lobster in lemon butter, turbot with mousseline sauce, or scallops with white truffle. It also complements creamy Bresse chicken or morel mushroom risotto with elegance. For cheese pairings, opt for soft washed-rind varieties like Époisses or Langres, which highlight the wine’s aromatic depth and velvety texture.