Benoit Ente
Summary
Benoit Ente operates a small 4-hectare domaine in Puligny-Montrachet, crafting terroir-expressive Chardonnay from limestone-clay soils across prime parcels in Puligny, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Meursault. His meticulous approach—combining traditional Burgundian techniques with vineyard-specific precision—has steadily elevated his reputation over two decades as part of Burgundy's thoughtful new generation of winemakers.
Heritage & Leadership
Benoit Ente established his eponymous domaine in 1997, taking over a portion of his family's vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet. As the younger brother of Arnaud Ente, Benoit represents part of a winemaking family with deep roots in Burgundy. Prior to his independent venture, these family vineyards had been leased to other producers in the region. Benoit's decision to reclaim these parcels marked the beginning of a focused, small-scale operation that has developed steadily over the past two decades.
The domaine remains family-operated, with Benoit overseeing all aspects of production. His approach has been characterized by gradual, deliberate growth, starting with a modest land holding and carefully expanding his portfolio of vineyard sites. Based in Puligny-Montrachet, the domaine exemplifies the small, family-driven enterprises that form the backbone of Burgundy's winemaking tradition.
Vineyards & Wines
Benoit Ente's domaine encompasses approximately 4 hectares of vineyards, primarily concentrated in Puligny-Montrachet with additional holdings in neighboring Chassagne-Montrachet and Meursault. The domaine focuses exclusively on Chardonnay production, crafting white Burgundies that express their specific terroirs.
Among his most notable vineyard sites are the Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru parcels "Sous le Puits" and "Les Folatières," both recognized for their distinctive expressions of Puligny terroir. The domaine's portfolio also includes village-level Puligny-Montrachet wines and regional Bourgogne bottlings. Each vineyard site features the classic limestone-clay soils typical of the Côte de Beaune, contributing to the mineral character found in the wines.
The vineyard management prioritizes quality over quantity, with particular attention paid to achieving optimal ripeness through careful canopy management and yield control. This approach allows for the production of wines that reflect both vintage conditions and the specific characteristics of each vineyard site.
Philosophy & Practice
Benoit Ente's winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to express itself through the wines. The domaine practices traditional Burgundian techniques, beginning with hand harvesting to ensure only the highest quality fruit enters the winery.
In the cellar, Ente employs gentle pressing followed by fermentation and aging in French oak barrels. This traditional approach includes regular batonnage (lees stirring) during the early stages of aging to develop texture and complexity. The wines typically spend between 12 and 18 months in barrel before bottling.
The domaine's production methods emphasize quality at every stage, from pruning decisions in the vineyard to the timing of bottling. Annual production remains deliberately small, allowing for meticulous attention to detail throughout the winemaking process. This careful approach has established Benoit Ente as a producer of precise, terroir-driven white Burgundies that showcase the distinctive character of his vineyard holdings.