Fontaine-Gagnard, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard is a 10-hectare family estate in Chassagne-Montrachet, specializing in Chardonnay from limestone-clay soils across Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards including Bâtard-Montrachet and Le Montrachet. Their traditional approach features hand harvesting, barrel fermentation, extended lees aging, and minimal intervention, allowing each vineyard's character to express itself authentically through generations of viticultural knowledge.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard was established in 1985 following the marriage of Richard Fontaine and Laurence Gagnard, daughter of Jacques Gagnard of Domaine Gagnard-Delagrange. The union brought together vineyard holdings from both families, creating a new estate rooted in Chassagne-Montrachet's winemaking tradition. This merger combined generations of viticultural knowledge from two established Burgundian families.
The domaine is now led by Céline Fontaine, who took over winemaking responsibilities from her parents. Céline represents the next generation of this family enterprise, continuing the meticulous approach to vineyard management and winemaking established by her parents. The transition maintains the continuity of family knowledge while preserving the domaine's identity within Chassagne-Montrachet.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard's holdings span approximately 10 hectares, primarily situated in Chassagne-Montrachet. The estate's portfolio includes parcels in three Grand Cru vineyards: Bâtard-Montrachet, Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, and Le Montrachet. These prestigious sites feature the classic limestone and clay soils that define the Côte de Beaune's finest terroirs.
The domaine also cultivates several Premier Cru plots in Chassagne-Montrachet, including La Maltroie, La Boudriotte, Les Vergers, and Morgeot. While Chardonnay dominates their production, reflecting the white wine heritage of Chassagne-Montrachet, they also produce red wines from Pinot Noir. The vineyards are planted on east-facing slopes that capture morning sunlight, contributing to optimal ripening conditions for both varieties.
Philosophy & Practice
Fontaine-Gagnard adheres to traditional Burgundian winemaking methods, beginning with hand harvesting to ensure only the highest quality fruit enters production. In the cellar, white wines undergo barrel fermentation in French oak, followed by aging on lees for 12 to 18 months depending on the vineyard site and vintage characteristics.
For their red wines, the domaine employs partial whole-cluster fermentation, with the percentage varying according to vintage conditions. The reds typically see 12 to 15 months in oak barrels, with a measured approach to new oak that avoids overwhelming the fruit character. Throughout the winemaking process, minimal intervention is practiced to allow the distinct terroir expressions of each vineyard site to emerge in the finished wines.