Domaine Fontaine Gagnard winery
Domaine Fontaine Gagnard is a family-owned wine estate located in the prestigious village of Chassagne-Montrachet in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. The domaine was established in 1985 when Richard Fontaine, who married Laurence Gagnard, combined vineyards from both sides of the family. The Gagnard family itself has deep roots in Chassagne-Montrachet, and the domaine’s holdings reflect generations of careful acquisitions and inheritances, resulting in an enviable portfolio of vineyards across some of Burgundy’s most celebrated terroirs.
The estate encompasses around 12 hectares of vines, with a strong focus on Chardonnay from the region’s top sites. Fontaine Gagnard produces a broad range of wines, including several Premier Cru and Grand Cru bottlings. Their holdings include plots in famous Grand Crus such as Le Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, and Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, as well as a diverse selection of Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Crus like La Romanée, Les Caillerets, and La Boudriotte. Pinot Noir also features in their portfolio, with red wines from Chassagne-Montrachet and Volnay Santenots.
Laurence Gagnard-Fontaine and her daughter Céline manage the domaine today, upholding a philosophy that emphasizes respect for the land and tradition while embracing modern techniques where they enhance quality. Vineyard work is meticulous, with a focus on low yields, careful pruning, and sustainable practices to ensure healthy, expressive fruit. Harvest is done by hand, with sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery to guarantee only the best grapes make it into the wines.
In the cellar, the approach is gentle and precise. Grapes are pressed slowly and fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts to preserve the unique character of each site. The wines are aged in French oak barrels, with a restrained use of new oak to allow the nuances of terroir to shine. Bottling is typically done without fining or filtration, contributing to the purity and depth for which the domaine’s wines are known.
Domaine Fontaine Gagnard’s white wines are celebrated for their clarity, elegance, and structure. They capture the mineral tension and complexity typical of great Chassagne-Montrachet, balancing richness with vibrant acidity. The reds display finesse and aromatic lift, with supple tannins and a sense of place that reflects their origins. Across the range, the wines are built to age gracefully, revealing layers of flavor and complexity over time.
Today, Fontaine Gagnard enjoys a loyal following among collectors, sommeliers, and Burgundy enthusiasts worldwide. The domaine’s commitment to authenticity and excellence, combined with its exceptional vineyard holdings, makes it a benchmark producer in Chassagne-Montrachet. Whether from a Grand Cru parcel or a village-level bottling, wines from Fontaine Gagnard offer a compelling expression of Burgundy’s most storied terroirs.