2024 Domaine Étienne Sauzet Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THE WINE

“La Tuféra” is a distinctive Bourgogne Chardonnay sourced from four small vineyard parcels surrounding Puligny-Montrachet in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. The vines, averaging approximately 50 years of age, are rooted in limestone-rich clay and chalk soils that contribute to the wine’s natural concentration, freshness, and mineral character. Although classified under the regional Bourgogne appellation, its proximity to the celebrated vineyards of Puligny-Montrachet lends the wine a remarkable sense of place, combining the village’s signature elegance with the accessibility of a regional bottling.

The vineyards are cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and the natural expression of the terroir. Following careful harvesting and gentle pressing, the Chardonnay is fermented and matured in French oak barrels and larger oak vessels, with restrained use of new oak to preserve the purity of the fruit. Aging on fine lees adds depth, subtle richness, and a supple texture while maintaining the wine’s vibrant acidity and distinctive mineral profile.

The 2024 vintage offers a harmonious balance of bright citrus, delicate floral aromatics, and ripe orchard fruit, complemented by understated oak influence and a refreshing saline finish. Its combination of freshness and texture makes it a versatile companion to seafood and poultry, pairing beautifully with seared scallops, grilled langoustines, roasted halibut, or lobster with lemon butter. It is equally appealing alongside roast chicken with herbs, creamy mushroom risotto, or traditional Burgundian gougères.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Domaine Étienne Sauzet is one of the historic white wine estates of Puligny-Montrachet, renowned for producing Chardonnay that expresses 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 sustainable and 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 to encourage healthy soils, biodiversity, and a balanced relationship between the vines and their natural environment.

In the cellar, the domaine follows a philosophy of minimal intervention and precision, allowing the individual character of each vineyard and vintage to remain at the forefront. Careful fruit selection, gentle pressing, measured oak influence, and extended maturation on fine lees produce wines distinguished by aromatic purity, refined texture, vibrant acidity, and exceptional mineral definition. From its Bourgogne Chardonnay to its prestigious Grand Cru bottlings, Domaine Étienne Sauzet remains dedicated to crafting wines that reflect the distinctive limestone terroirs of Burgundy with elegance, depth, and a profound sense of place.