Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard – The Chardonnay elegance of the Côte de Beaune

Chassagne-Montrachet, benchmark premiers crus and grands crus of the Montrachet hill expressed through precise, saline and ageworthy white Burgundy

The estate

Based in the heart of Chassagne-Montrachet, Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard is a small, family-run estate passed down through several generations. The vineyard holdings remain deliberately modest in size: here, the excellence of the Côte de Beaune terroirs matters far more than volume. Each parcel is tended with precision to reveal its true identity, with a clear focus on Chardonnay and a handful of Pinot Noir cuvées.

Terroir & vineyard

The domaine offers a range built around Chassagne-Montrachet Village and several renowned premiers crus such as Morgeot, Cailleret and neighbouring hillside climats on limestone-rich, well-drained soils. In addition, the estate farms parcels on the Grands Crus of the Montrachet hill, bordering Puligny-Montrachet, providing access to some of the most noble white wine terroirs in Burgundy.

This mosaic of terroirs allows Fontaine-Gagnard to offer a refined, coherent interpretation of Chassagne-Montrachet, from vibrant, expressive village wines to premiers and grands crus of impressive depth and precision.

Philosophy & viticulture

The vineyard work follows a reasoned and respectful approach: measured soil tilling, controlled grass cover to manage plant vigour, and carefully adapted treatments depending on the vintage. The aim is to preserve soil life, promote deep rooting and reveal the finesse and clarity of each climat.

All harvesting is done by hand, with strict sorting directly in the vineyard. Only perfectly ripe, healthy and balanced grapes make their way to the press—an essential requirement for crafting whites of purity, definition and tension.

Winemaking & ageing

The grapes are gently pressed to obtain clear, pure juice. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats or oak barrels, depending on the cuvée and the expression desired. The domaine favours traditional, low-intervention vinification, allowing each wine to follow its natural rhythm and preserve aromatic definition and structural balance.

The wines are then aged for 12 to 16 months with a moderate proportion of new oak. Oak is used here with restraint—its role is to refine texture and bring subtle complexity, never to dominate fruit or minerality. Bottling takes place when each cuvée has reached its point of harmony, with an uncompromising attention to clarity and precision.

Style of the wines

The whites of Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard are recognised for their chalky freshness, mineral tension and understated elegance. Aromas combine citrus, white fruit, floral notes and subtle pastry nuances, supported by a saline backbone characteristic of the finest Chassagne-Montrachet terroirs.

The premiers crus display depth, structure and notable ageing potential, while the village wines are already pure, vibrant and accessible in their youth. Across the entire range, the hallmark is unmistakable: precision, clarity and impeccable balance.

Signature cuvées

Chassagne-Montrachet Village – A benchmark introduction to the domaine’s style: pure white-fruit aromatics, a clean saline palate and a seamless balance of richness and tension.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1^er Cru Morgeot – A broader, more structured premier cru with ripe fruit, warm stone and subtle spice, offering notable depth and presence.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1^er Cru Cailleret – A cuvée of great finesse: linear, mineral and lifted, delivering a crystalline expression of Chassagne’s limestone slopes.

Grands Crus of the Montrachet hill – Select parcels from the legendary slopes neighbouring Puligny-Montrachet, producing wines of density, noble texture, aromatic complexity and outstanding ageing potential.