Sylvie Esmonin
Summary
Domaine Sylvie Esmonin is a small 5-hectare Burgundian estate in Gevrey-Chambertin, specializing in Pinot Noir from limestone-rich soils, including their exceptional Premier Cru Clos Saint-Jacques parcel with vines exceeding 60 years of age. Sylvie, a former enology professor who transformed her family's grape-selling operation into a quality-focused estate in the 1990s, combines traditional Burgundian methods with technical precision, employing native yeast fermentations and measured oak aging to preserve authentic terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Sylvie Esmonin, located in the Burgundian village of Gevrey-Chambertin, represents a continuation of the family estate previously known as Domaine Michel Esmonin. Sylvie Esmonin assumed control of her family's property in the early 1990s, transforming what had been primarily a grape-selling operation under her father Michel into a respected estate-bottling domaine. Prior to taking the helm, Sylvie worked as a professor of enology, bringing her technical expertise to bear on the family vineyards. The transition marked a significant shift in the estate's approach, as Michel had previously sold the majority of his harvest to négociants, while Sylvie committed to bottling the domaine's production under her own label. This change represented not merely a new name but a fundamental reorientation of the estate's mission toward quality-focused, terroir-expressive winemaking.
Vineyards & Wines
The domaine encompasses approximately 5 hectares of vineyards, with holdings concentrated in Gevrey-Chambertin. The crown jewel of the estate is its parcel in Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Clos Saint-Jacques, one of Burgundy's most distinguished premier cru vineyards. This walled vineyard (clos) faces east on the upper slope of Gevrey-Chambertin, with limestone-rich soils that contribute to the wine's distinctive mineral character. The domaine also produces village-level Gevrey-Chambertin and a Bourgogne Rouge, sourced from vineyards on the lower slopes. Additionally, Sylvie cultivates a small parcel of Côte de Nuits-Villages "Les Violettes," which lies just beyond the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation boundary. The domaine's plantings are predominantly Pinot Noir, with vine ages varying across the different parcels, some reaching 60+ years in the premier cru holdings.
Philosophy & Practice
Sylvie Esmonin's approach to viticulture emphasizes respect for the vineyard ecosystem and minimal intervention. In the winery, she employs traditional Burgundian techniques while incorporating insights from her background in enology. Fermentations proceed with native yeasts, and the wines typically undergo a cold maceration period before fermentation to extract color and aromatic compounds. Sylvie practices partial whole-cluster fermentation, with proportions varying according to vintage conditions and the specific vineyard parcel. The premier cru wines age in French oak barrels for approximately 18 months, with a measured approach to new oak that allows the terroir expression to remain prominent. Her winemaking philosophy balances traditional methods with precise technical understanding, resulting in wines that reflect both their place of origin and the vintage character. The domaine's small size allows for meticulous attention to each parcel throughout the growing season and winemaking process.