Etienne Sauzet Chassagne Montrachet Les Encignieres Blanc 2018

Etienne's eponymous Domaine was founded in the 1920s in the prestigious region of Puligny-Montrachet. Etienne purchased several plots, which he then expanded some 30 years later to include several Premier Cru and Grand Cru parcels.

Sadly, Etienne passed away in 1975. Control of the Domaine was handed to Etienne's son-in-law, Gerard Boudot, until the early 1990s, when it was willed to Etienne's three grandchildren - Jean-Marc Boillot, Henri Boillot and Jeanine Boillot. Wanting to go his own way, Jean-Marc decided to remove his holdings from the family domaine, resulting in a long-term lease arrangement with Henri, and a downsizing of Domaine Sauzet.

To offset this downsizing Gerard Boudot, assisted by his daughter Emilie and her husband, Benoit Riffault, established a small negociant arm, purchasing grapes from growers in sites such as Champs Gains, Chevalier Montrachet and Le Montrachet.

Today, the Domaine is still managed by Emilie and Benoit, who have fully embraced biodynamic viticulture, gaining certification in 2010. The grapes are sorted then pressed without crushing and fermented in oak until racking into tank for a further six months élévage on fine lees. Oak treatment ranges between 20% new for the Premier Cru wines, up to 40% new for the Grand Cru cuvees. 

Expect elegance, style and poise from the wines of Domaine Etienne Sauzet. As you work up the tiers the wines gain opulence and concentration, intense yet balanced.