2008 Jean-Noel Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumées

Domaine Jean-Noel Gagnard is in Chassagne-Montrachet. It has been owned and operated by the same family since the mid-18th century but it was not until the 1960s that Jean-Noel Gagnard inherited the domaine and began bottling under this own label. Today the 28-acre estate is run by his daughter Caroline Lestime. The domaine has a Grand Cru parcel in Batard- Montrachet and white Premier Crus in Chassange-Montrachet. Though best known for its white wines, it also has Premier Cru reds in Clos Saint-Jean, Morgeot and Santenay.

Les Chaumes is a 19-acre Premier Cru vineyard in Chassagne-Montrachet in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. It is one of 51 Premier Crus in the appellation and it faces east. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “Chassagne-Montrachet is a treasure trove for outstanding Premier Cru vineyards. In fact, certain Premiers Crus…often achieve Grand Cru status in quality if not in name.”

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.