2024 Domaine Étienne Sauzet Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune “Jardin du Calvaire”, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THE WINE

“Jardin du Calvaire” is a distinctive Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Chardonnay that reflects the character of Burgundy’s higher-elevation vineyards, where cooler temperatures and limestone-rich soils encourage freshness, aromatic precision, and vibrant acidity. Situated above the renowned villages of the Côte de Beaune, these vineyards benefit from a longer, more gradual ripening season, allowing the Chardonnay to develop expressive fruit while retaining its natural tension and mineral definition. The wine embodies Domaine Étienne Sauzet’s commitment to expressing the individuality of each vineyard, offering a fresh and elegant interpretation of white Burgundy.

The vineyards are cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing soil vitality, biodiversity, and the natural balance of the vines. Careful vineyard management and selective harvesting ensure that the fruit reaches optimal ripeness while preserving the bright acidity characteristic of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. In the cellar, the domaine employs gentle pressing, controlled fermentation, and a measured approach to oak maturation, allowing the purity of the Chardonnay and the distinctive character of its terroir to remain at the forefront. Aging on fine lees contributes subtle richness, depth, and a refined texture without compromising the wine’s freshness or mineral precision.

The 2024 vintage highlights the appellation’s lively character, combining delicate floral aromatics, crisp orchard fruit, and citrus-driven acidity with an elegant, mineral finish. Its freshness and balanced texture make it an excellent companion to seafood and lighter dishes, pairing beautifully with oysters, seared scallops, grilled sea bass, or roasted halibut with lemon and herbs. It is equally appealing alongside roast chicken, spring vegetable risotto, fresh goat cheese, or traditional Burgundian gougères.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Domaine Étienne Sauzet is one of the historic white wine estates of Puligny-Montrachet, celebrated for producing Chardonnay that captures the elegance, complexity, and distinctive mineral character of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. Founded in the early 20th century by Étienne Sauzet, the domaine grew through the acquisition and inheritance of vineyard parcels in and around Puligny-Montrachet. Following his death in 1975, the estate passed to his granddaughter Jeanine and her husband, Gérard Boudot, whose meticulous vineyard management and thoughtful approach to winemaking helped establish its international reputation.

Today, the domaine is led by their daughter Émilie Boudot and her husband, Benoît Riffault, who continue the family’s legacy while embracing environmentally conscious viticulture. The estate encompasses approximately 15 hectares across Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, and the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, with holdings ranging from regional appellations to some of Burgundy’s most celebrated Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. Certified organic in 2006, the domaine subsequently adopted biodynamic farming practices, prioritizing healthy soils, biodiversity, and a balanced relationship between the vines and their natural environment.

In the cellar, the domaine follows a philosophy of precision and restrained intervention, allowing the individual character of each vineyard and vintage to take center stage. Careful fruit selection, gentle pressing, measured oak influence, and maturation on fine lees produce wines distinguished by aromatic purity, refined texture, vibrant acidity, and mineral definition. From its expressive regional bottlings to its prestigious Grand Cru wines, Domaine Étienne Sauzet remains dedicated to crafting Chardonnay that reflects the diversity of Burgundy’s limestone terroirs with elegance, depth, and a profound sense of place.