Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard
Summary
Domaine Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard is a family-operated estate in Chassagne-Montrachet with 8.5 hectares producing primarily white wines from limestone-rich soils, including premier cru sites like Morgeot and Caillerets, plus a small parcel in grand cru Bâtard-Montrachet. Their non-interventionist approach balances traditional methods with practical adaptations, creating wines that serve as reference points for the appellation's characteristic balance of richness and minerality.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard was established in 1980 when Jean-Marc Blain married Claudine Gagnard, daughter of Jacques and Marie-Josèphe Gagnard of Domaine Gagnard-Delagrange in Chassagne-Montrachet. The couple began their venture with vineyard parcels from both families, creating a new domain based in the heart of Chassagne-Montrachet. Jean-Marc, originally from Sancerre, and Claudine have managed the domain together since its inception, combining their respective expertise in viticulture and winemaking.
In recent years, their son Marc-Antonin has joined the family business, gradually taking on more responsibilities in both the vineyards and cellar. This transition represents the continuation of the Gagnard family's winemaking tradition in Chassagne-Montrachet, which extends back several generations. The domain remains modest in size and firmly family-operated, maintaining a focus on the detailed work required to produce wines that express their specific terroirs.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Blain-Gagnard manages approximately 8.5 hectares of vineyards, primarily located in Chassagne-Montrachet with additional holdings in neighboring appellations. Their portfolio includes parcels in several premier cru vineyards in Chassagne-Montrachet, including Morgeot, Boudriotte, Caillerets, and Champgains. The domain also possesses a small but significant 0.17-hectare parcel in the grand cru Bâtard-Montrachet.
For red wine production, the family cultivates Pinot Noir in Chassagne-Montrachet and holds parcels in Volnay, including the premier cru Champans. Their white wines are produced primarily from Chardonnay grown on the limestone-rich soils typical of the Côte de Beaune. Many of their vineyard parcels contain older vines, particularly in their premier cru sites, where some plantings date back 50 years or more.
The domain produces approximately 3,000 cases annually across their range, with white wines constituting roughly 70% of production. Their village-level offerings include both red and white Chassagne-Montrachet, while their premier and grand cru bottlings showcase the distinctive characteristics of each specific vineyard site.
Philosophy & Practice
The Blain-Gagnard approach to winemaking balances respect for tradition with practical adaptations to each vintage's specific conditions. In the vineyards, they practice sustainable viticulture with meticulous attention to canopy management and yield control. Harvest is conducted by hand, with careful sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery.
For white wine production, the domain employs whole-cluster pressing followed by settling of the must before fermentation. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occur in oak barrels, with new oak typically limited to 25-30% for premier crus and slightly higher for their grand cru. Their white wines generally age on lees for 11-12 months before bottling.
Red wine production involves partial destemming, with the percentage varying according to vintage conditions and the specific vineyard parcel. Fermentation takes place in traditional open-top fermenters with gentle extraction methods to preserve fruit character and terroir expression. The reds typically age for 12-15 months in oak barrels with a modest proportion of new oak.
Throughout their winemaking process, the family maintains a non-interventionist philosophy, focusing on careful work in the vineyards to ensure optimal fruit quality rather than extensive manipulation in the cellar. This approach reflects their commitment to producing wines that faithfully represent the distinctive terroirs of Chassagne-Montrachet and their other vineyard holdings.