2014 Gagnard-Delagrange Bâtard-Montrachet

Domaine Gagnard-Delagrange in Chassagne-Montrachet was for decades run by Jacques Gagnard, a respected vigneron who died in 2009. Today the estate is run by his widow Marie-Josephe Delagrange and their grandson. The domaine was divided up somewhat after Jacques’ death, with some parcels going to his daughters, but it continues to produce well-reviewed wines.

Batard-Montrachet is one of the four great Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards in the appellation of Puligny-Montrachet, in Burgundy. Like its neighbor Le Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet also lies partly in the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation just to the south of Puligny-Montrachet. At 30 acres, Batard-Montrachet is the largest of four Grand Crus and it is divided into nearly 30 individually owned parcels. Located just to the east of Le Montrachet, the soil of Batard-Montrachet is deeper and less thin. The largest landholders are Leflaive, with 4.5 acres; Ramonet, 1.2 acres; Bachelet-Ramonet, 1.4 acres; and Paul Pernot, 1.5 acres.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.