2022 Domaine Jean-Noël Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet "Champ Derrière", Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

“Champ Derrière” is a lieu-dit located at the cooler northern end of Chassagne-Montrachet, perched at 250 meters elevation with an eastern exposure. The vineyard’s clay-limestone soils, rich in iron and manganese, contribute to the wine’s distinct minerality and structure. In 2022, the site’s natural freshness helped balance the vintage’s warmth, yielding a wine of excellent precision and energy.

Grapes are carefully hand-harvested, gently pressed, and allowed to settle before fermentation with native yeasts in seasoned oak barrels. Both primary and malolactic fermentations proceed naturally at cool temperatures. The wine rests on its lees for 12 to 15 months in barrel, with a thoughtful use of up to 30% new oak, lending depth without overshadowing its purity.

Pair with roasted chicken, scallops in beurre blanc, or mushroom risotto to highlight its nuanced texture and elegant structure.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Domaine Jean-Noël Gagnard, based in Chassagne-Montrachet, is led by Caroline Lestimé, who took the reins from her father in 1989. The estate covers approximately 14.5 hectares of mostly Chardonnay vines, and has been farmed organically since 2014, with biodynamic practices increasingly integrated into the viticulture.

Caroline’s approach to winemaking is rooted in respect for each vineyard’s identity. Her wines are known for their clarity, restraint, and finesse, reflecting a philosophy that favors natural balance and transparency over overt power or oak influence. “Champ Derrière” is a testament to this vision—a wine of purity, precision, and quiet confidence.