Duc de Magenta (Louis Jadot), Domaine du
Summary
Domaine du Duc de Magenta operates as a unique partnership where Louis Jadot manages the aristocratic family's 9.4-hectare holdings in Chassagne-Montrachet, focusing primarily on Chardonnay from limestone-clay soils at 230-270 meters elevation with eastern exposures. The wines undergo traditional barrel fermentation with indigenous yeasts and measured oak aging (25-30% new for Premier Crus), preserving the mineral intensity and elegant structure that characterize this southern Côte de Beaune terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine du Duc de Magenta represents a distinctive arrangement in Burgundy's wine landscape, with Louis Jadot managing the vineyards and winemaking since 1976. The estate belongs to the Duc de Magenta family, descendants of the MacMahon lineage, who have owned these lands for generations. This long-term management agreement grants Jadot full viticultural and winemaking control while the Duc de Magenta retains ownership of the vineyards.
Under the leadership of Pierre-Henry Gagey, President of Maison Louis Jadot, and Frédéric Barnier, Technical Director, the domaine's wines are produced with the same technical standards applied across Jadot's portfolio. This management structure has remained stable for over four decades, allowing for consistent viticultural practices and winemaking approaches. The wines are bottled and marketed under the Louis Jadot label, with clear indication of their Domaine du Duc de Magenta origin.
Vineyards & Wines
The domaine's holdings center primarily in Chassagne-Montrachet, with its most significant parcel in the Morgeot Premier Cru vineyard. This 9.4-hectare section represents one of the largest single-owner parcels of this prestigious terroir. The vineyards sit on the southern portion of the Côte de Beaune, characterized by limestone-clay soils with varying proportions of stones and marl depending on the specific plot location.
The plantings focus predominantly on Chardonnay, which thrives in Chassagne-Montrachet's calcium-rich soils. The vines average 30 years of age, though some parcels contain older plantings. The vineyards lie at elevations between 230-270 meters, with primarily eastern exposures that provide optimal sun exposure while protecting the grapes from afternoon heat. Beyond Morgeot, the domaine maintains smaller holdings in other Chassagne-Montrachet parcels, producing both village-level and Premier Cru wines that express the distinctive mineral character of this appellation.
Philosophy & Practice
The viticultural approach at Domaine du Duc de Magenta follows Jadot's established practices, emphasizing respect for terroir expression. Vineyard management includes limited yields, careful canopy management, and selective harvesting to ensure optimal ripeness. The technical team performs plot-by-plot assessments to determine precise harvest timing, with all grapes hand-picked and sorted.
In the cellar, white wines undergo whole-cluster pressing followed by barrel fermentation using indigenous yeasts. The Chassagne-Montrachet wines typically age for 12-15 months in French oak barrels, with Premier Crus receiving approximately 25-30% new oak. This measured approach to oak integration aims to complement rather than overwhelm the natural mineral character of the wines. Minimal intervention during the aging process allows for natural clarification, with light fining and filtration applied only when necessary before bottling. This methodical production process preserves the distinctive character of the Duc de Magenta vineyards while benefiting from Jadot's technical expertise and facilities.