ABOUT: Capitain-Gagnerot has extraordinarily deep roots in Burgundy. Starting as wine merchants in the 17th century, the Domaine Gagnerot was eventually established in 1802 on the eastern slope of Corton. In 1864 a wine merchant named Francois Capitain married into the family and Domaine Capitain-Gagnerot was established. Post WWII Roger Capitain inherited the vineyards and wine business and continued moving things forward. The domaine was then passed on to his sons Patrice and Michel, and today is operated by Patrice’s kids, Pierre-Francois and Delphine. They currently farm 16 hectares of vines throughout the Cotes de Beaune and Cotes de Nuits and are biodynamic certified. They were voted “winemakers of the year” in 2021 by the Guide Hachette, which is one of France’s oldest and best selling wine guides. The majority of their wines are sold in France with only a small amount shipped elsewhere. As a retailer, we’re thrilled by the price of their wines as much as the stellar quality. Burgundy can be a tricky proposition for consumers, Capitain-Gagnerot makes it much easier. TASTE: This 100% Chardonnay from Capitain-Gagnerot hails from the postage stamp-sized Burgundy AOC Saint-Romain. There’s only 69 hectares of Chardonnay and zero grand or premier cru wine, so it’s a bit under the radar compared to most Burgundy AOC’s. Good news for us. Capitain-Gagnerot producing a scant few bottles of Chardonnay in Saint-Romain should stir the heart of the Burgundy-loving bargain hunter. Crystalline aromas and flavors of lemons, apples, jasmine, lime peel and salt. Long finish, complex, and room for development. Only 10% of the harvest goes into new barrels so the oak is very much in check. Just how we like it. PAIR: Creamy mushroom-thyme soup, saffron risotto, goat cheese ravioli with nutmeg, salad with pear, camembert, and walnut salad, and egg salad sandwich with chili cheese Fritos.
