Domaine Gouffier Montagny 1er Cru Les Jardins 2023 | Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy

The Wine

Ripe citrus, layed with white peach and yellow nectarines “Les Jardins” means “The Gardens”, a perfect name for this premier cru. Coming from vines planted on impossibly steep limestone slopes, that freshness pairs perfectly with the subtle smoky reduction. Hand harvested fruit is fermented naturally and raised with a careful touch of oak, the aim here is to preserve that bright mineral tension and gives a long, mouthwatering finish.

The Producer 

“Together with de Villaine, if I could pick only one domaine from the Côte de Chalonnaise then it would be this domaine. Simply brilliant wines, year-in, year-out “
- Bill Nanson, Burgundy report

With 5.5-hectares spread across eight appellations, the 200 year-old domaine has been revitalized by Frédéric Gueugneau, who had worked previously at La Chabliesienne for eight years. The vineyards are now all certified organic. The wines strongly favour the intelligent approach of infusion of extraction, seasoned oak and some whole clusters. The results are energetic and precise. Fred is also not afraid to experiment - the Chalonnaise rouge on offer is a direct press Pinot noir that wouldn't look out of place in the Jura.

As an aside, we tried to import these wines after our 2023 visit, but they were happy selling domestically. I guess the slightly larger 2023 vintage crops have meant they can now look abroad. We are thrilled to have four cuvees to begin. More will follow.