Etienne Sauzet, Montrachet Grand Cru AOC

About Etienne Sauzet

Etienne Sauzet is a celebrated wine producer based in the village of Puligny-Montrachet in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. The estate was established in the early 20th century by its namesake, Etienne Sauzet, who began with modest vineyard holdings and gradually expanded the domaine’s reach. Today, the domaine is recognized for its focus on Chardonnay, producing wines that exemplify the purity and finesse of Puligny-Montrachet and its surrounding terroirs.

After Etienne Sauzet’s passing, the domaine was inherited by his granddaughter, Jeanine Boillot, and her husband, Gérard Boudot. Gérard Boudot’s influence has been instrumental in modernizing the estate, introducing meticulous vineyard management and a focus on expressing the unique characteristics of each parcel. Under his guidance, the domaine transitioned to organic viticulture, eventually adopting biodynamic practices, ensuring respect for the land and the longevity of the vines.

The estate’s holdings include some of the most prestigious vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet, with parcels in several premier cru sites such as Les Referts, Les Perrières, Les Combettes, and Les Folatières, as well as grand cru plots in Chevalier-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet. The domaine also produces village-level Puligny-Montrachet and a Bourgogne Blanc, offering a comprehensive exploration of the region’s terroir.

In the cellar, Etienne Sauzet emphasizes precision and elegance. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted before gentle pressing. Fermentation typically takes place in oak barrels, with a judicious use of new oak to enhance complexity without overpowering the wine’s delicate aromatics. The wines are aged on their lees to develop texture and depth, with careful attention paid to balance and freshness. The result is a collection of Chardonnays that are admired for their clarity, minerality, and age-worthiness.

Etienne Sauzet’s approach combines tradition with innovation. The estate’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and low-intervention winemaking reflects a deep respect for the environment and the heritage of Puligny-Montrachet. Each wine captures the nuances of its specific vineyard site, from the racy minerality of Les Perrières to the richness and complexity of Chevalier-Montrachet. The domaine’s meticulous practices have earned it a loyal following among collectors and sommeliers worldwide.

Today, the domaine is managed by Emilie Boudot, Gérard and Jeanine’s daughter, who continues the family legacy with the same dedication to quality and terroir expression. Etienne Sauzet remains a benchmark for white Burgundy, producing wines that are celebrated for their elegance, precision, and ability to reflect the distinct soils of Puligny-Montrachet. Through a combination of careful vineyard stewardship and thoughtful winemaking, the estate continues to set the standard for Chardonnay in Burgundy.