2024 Domaine Étienne Sauzet Chassagne-Montrachet “Les Encegnières”, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THE WINE

“Les Encegnières” is a distinguished village-level vineyard situated at the southern end of Chassagne-Montrachet, directly below the celebrated Grand Cru vineyard of Bâtard-Montrachet and near the boundary with Puligny-Montrachet. This exceptional location places the vineyard among some of Burgundy’s most renowned Chardonnay terroirs, where limestone-rich clay soils contribute to wines of remarkable depth, concentration, and elegance. Its position on the lower slopes of the Côte de Beaune provides a balance of warmth and natural freshness, allowing the Chardonnay to develop ripe orchard fruit and a generous texture while retaining the mineral precision characteristic of the region. Although classified under the village appellation, Les Encegnières benefits from its proximity to the Grand Cru vineyards, producing wines that combine the richness associated with Chassagne-Montrachet with the finesse and aromatic purity of neighboring Puligny-Montrachet.

The vineyards are cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing soil vitality, biodiversity, and the natural expression of the terroir. Careful vineyard management and selective harvesting allow the Chardonnay to achieve optimal maturity while preserving the freshness and acidity essential to the wine’s balance. Following gentle pressing, the fruit undergoes fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels, with a measured proportion of new oak that enhances complexity without overwhelming the vineyard’s distinctive character. Aging on fine lees contributes richness, depth, and a refined, creamy texture while preserving the wine’s vibrant acidity and mineral definition. This thoughtful approach allows the natural generosity of Les Encegnières to emerge alongside the elegance and precision that characterize the domaine’s winemaking philosophy.

The 2024 vintage offers a harmonious expression of ripe orchard fruit, delicate floral aromatics, and bright citrus, complemented by subtle toasted almond, gentle spice, and a persistent mineral finish. Its combination of richness, freshness, and elegant structure makes it an exceptional companion to refined seafood and poultry dishes, pairing beautifully with butter-poached lobster, seared scallops, roasted turbot, or langoustines with a delicate cream sauce. It is equally appealing alongside roast chicken with morel mushrooms, veal with a light cream sauce, or aged Comté, where its vibrant acidity and layered texture provide a beautiful counterpoint to richer flavors.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Domaine Étienne Sauzet is one of the historic white wine estates of Puligny-Montrachet, celebrated 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 environmentally conscious viticulture. The estate encompasses approximately 15 hectares across Puligny-Montrachet and neighboring appellations, with holdings ranging from regional vineyards to some of Burgundy’s most celebrated Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites. 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 exceptional 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.