2024 Domaine Étienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THE WINE

Domaine Étienne Sauzet’s Puligny-Montrachet is a classic expression of Chardonnay from Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, sourced from several vineyard parcels within the renowned village of Puligny-Montrachet. The vineyards are rooted in limestone-rich clay soils that provide excellent drainage and contribute to the wine’s distinctive combination of aromatic finesse, vibrant acidity, and mineral complexity. The interplay of mature vines, varied vineyard exposures, and the region’s cool continental climate allows the Chardonnay to develop concentrated fruit flavors while retaining the freshness and precision that define the appellation.

The vineyards are cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and a balanced relationship between the vines and their natural environment. Careful vineyard management and selective harvesting ensure optimal fruit maturity while preserving the wine’s natural acidity and aromatic purity. Following gentle pressing, the Chardonnay undergoes fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels, with a restrained proportion of new oak to complement rather than dominate the fruit. Aging on fine lees adds depth, subtle richness, and a supple texture, while the measured use of oak preserves the wine’s floral aromatics and distinctive mineral character.

The 2024 vintage offers a harmonious balance of ripe orchard fruit, bright citrus, and delicate floral notes, complemented by understated oak influence and a persistent mineral finish. Its combination of freshness, depth, and refined texture makes it an exceptional companion to seafood and poultry, pairing beautifully with seared scallops, grilled langoustines, roasted turbot, or lobster with lemon butter. It is equally appealing alongside roast chicken with morel mushrooms, creamy mushroom risotto, or aged Comté, where its vibrant acidity and mineral precision provide an elegant 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, 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 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.