Domaine Blain-Gagnard has some of the finest vineyard plots in Chassagne-Montrachet. The estate, run by Jean-Marc Blain and Claudine Gagnard, consists of over 8ha, including sections of the three Grand Crus: Le Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, and Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet. They’ve also inherited premier crus plots in Volnay from Claudine’s illustrious family domain (Domaine Gagnard-Delagrange) and invested in a small plot in the Côte de Brouilly in Beaujolais. Their wines see between 15 – 30% new oak, with 14 – 16 months maturation for whites and 18 months for reds. They farm under the principal of lutte raisonée, rather than restricting themselves to a binding certification. The quality of the vineyards, combined with conservative use of new oak and bâtonnage, add to their elegant and sophisticated style.