Jean Baptiste Jessiaume, Bougogne Haute Côte de Beaune Blanc, Les Falaises, Burgundy, France, 2022

Producer Profile

Charmingly located amidst the picturesque rolling hills of Santenay in the Côte de Beaune lies Domaine Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume – a timeless testament to the artistry of winemaking.

This family-owned estate, steeped in tradition and innovation, has been crafting exceptional wines for generations, passing down the passion and expertise of its winemakers through the years. The Jessiaume family’s roots in Santenay date back to 1830. Today, the sixth generation of the family, led by Jean Baptiste Jessiaume, continues to uphold the estate’s legacy of producing high-quality Burgundy wines. With a deep connection to the land and a commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, Jean Baptiste is dedicated to creating wines that not only reflect the unique terroir of the region but also express the rich history and traditions of Burgundy.

Viticulture

The 'Les Falaises' vineyard is located on south-facing slopes in the Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune appellation. The vineyard sits on calcareous clay soil at an altitude of 300-450 meters and overlooks the famous Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits regions. The surrounding landscape is a mix of fields, meadows, orchards, and woods, creating a rich biodiverse environment. The vineyard's rich clay-limestone terroir provides an ideal environment for Chardonnay, one of Burgundy's most renowned grape varieties.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested, gently destemmed, and fermented using native yeasts in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels, adding complexity to the wine. The wine is aged on its fine lees for 15 months in oak barrels. This aging process allows the wine to develop greater complexity, depth, and structure.

Tasting Note

The nose is fresh and refined, showing delicate aromas of white flowers, green apple, citrus peel, and subtle notes of wet stone and flint. On the palate, it is crisp and vibrant with lively acidity, delivering flavours of lemon zest, pear, and a mineral-driven finish that is long and elegant. The wine offers excellent balance, freshness, and finesse, making it approachable yet sophisticated.

Food Matching

Think pan-seared scallops finished with a squeeze of yuzu and a scattering of toasted hazelnuts, or a creamy wild mushroom risotto.