2022 Jessiaume Auxey-Duresses Ecusseaux Blanc

Jessiaume has been a Santenay domaine since 1850, when the Jessiaume family started making wine there. The 37-acre estate includes important Premier Cru parcels in Les Gravières; the Beaune Premier Cru Les Cent Vignes; the Volnay Premier Cru Les Brouillards; and the Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru Les Ecusseaux. The estate is today owned by David Murray, a Scottish entrepreneur and former owner of the Rangers Football Club. Under Murray’s leadership Jessiaume in 2008 also became a negociant. As a negociant, Maison Jessiaume produces Grand Crus from Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot and Echezeaux, among other appellations. Village wines are also made. Wine Advocate’s reviewer wrote that several Grand Crus are “worth seeking out,” and a couple of the Premier Crus “punch above their weight. I have a feeling that this is a producer that has more to offer in the future….”

Côte de Beaune is the southern half of the Côte d’Or. The Côte de Beaune includes 16 villages and appellations. Among the most famous communes are Santenay, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Beaune and Aloxe-Corton. Three of the communes include Grand Cru vineyards and there are numerous Premier Cru vineyards. Though Côte de Beaune produces outstanding red and white wines, it is especially renowned for its Chardonnays, which are considered the best in the world. The prestigious Grand Cru Chardonnays from the vineyards Corton-Charlemagne, Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet are always in high demand. The region takes its name from the village of Beaune, the unofficial capital of Burgundy. Beaune is home to many of Burgundy’s best negociants, including Joseph Drouhin, Louis Jadot and Bouchard Pere et Fils. Beaune is also home to the historic Hospices de Beaune wine auction, an annual event held by local producers for the benefit of a Beaune hospital built in the 15th century.

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.