2024 Domaine Étienne Sauzet Saint-Romain “La Perrière”, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THE WINE

“La Perrière” is a distinctive Saint-Romain Chardonnay that reflects the character of Burgundy’s higher-elevation vineyards, situated in the limestone-rich hills west of Meursault and Auxey-Duresses. The vineyard’s name evokes its stony terrain, where limestone and clay soils contribute to the wine’s mineral definition, aromatic precision, and natural freshness. Saint-Romain’s cooler climate and elevated vineyard sites encourage a gradual ripening process, allowing Chardonnay to develop expressive orchard fruit and floral aromatics while retaining the vibrant acidity and tension that distinguish the appellation. The wine offers an elegant expression of this distinctive terroir, combining the purity of mountain-grown Chardonnay with the refined texture and depth characteristic of Domaine Étienne Sauzet.

The vineyards are cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing soil vitality, biodiversity, and a balanced relationship between the vines and their natural environment. Careful vineyard management and selective harvesting help preserve the fruit’s aromatic purity and natural acidity. Following gentle pressing, the Chardonnay undergoes fermentation and maturation in French oak vessels, with a measured approach to oak influence that allows the wine’s fresh fruit and mineral character to remain at the forefront. Aging on fine lees contributes subtle richness, complexity, and a supple mouthfeel while maintaining the precision and freshness that define the wine.

The 2024 vintage showcases the lively character of Saint-Romain, balancing bright citrus, ripe orchard fruit, and delicate floral notes with a fine mineral backbone and refreshing saline finish. Its combination of freshness, texture, and subtle richness makes it an excellent companion to seafood and lighter poultry dishes, pairing beautifully with seared scallops, grilled sea bass, roasted halibut, or langoustines with lemon butter. It is equally appealing alongside roast chicken with herbs, creamy mushroom 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 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 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.