Domaine Jean-Noel Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge Cuvée L’Estimée

Wine Information
Size: 1.46 ha (3.61 ac)
Variety: Pinot Noir
Terroir: Multiple southeast-facing parcels from 225 to 230-meters elevation. Deep, stony clay soil.
Viticulture: Certified organic (biodynamic methods)
Vinification: 100% de-stemmed, daily punch-downs and pump-overs, indigenous yeast fermentation in 228L oak barrels. Aged for 12-18 months in barrel (25% new oak).

Grapes from six different parcels spread across the appellation between Puligny and Santenay are used in this cuvée. They are planted at a density of 10,000 vines per hectare and pruned into Cordon royat.

The name of this cuvée originates in the history of the village of Chassagne and one of its oldest families: the Paquelins. There have been Paquelins living in the village since the 15th century, but as daughters married into other families, the current descendants have different last names including Coffinet (starting in 1866) and Gagnard (starting in 1925). The branch founded by Jean-Noël Gagnard became the Lestimé family in 1994, thus the creation of L'Estimée, an allusion to the newest branch of the family. L'Estimée can also be translated to mean "the respected lady" in French.

This cuvée represents the domaine's desire to highlight the potential of red wines from Chassagne-Montrachet; a village appellation mostly known for its whites. This is evident in the popularity of Chardonnay vineyards, as only 103 hectares of Chassagne-Montrachet are used to grow red wine varieties. (It is actually Burgundians that buy the majority of these wines: they're already in on the secret!) One can expect great quality for the price and wines that are often ready to drink at a younger age. In order to better show off the rarity of a red Chassagne-Montrachet and to strengthen the identity of L'Estimée, this wine is sold in a special bottle with unique packaging.

Approximately 700 cases are made each year.