Sylvie Esmonin

History of Domaine Sylvie Esmonin

The history of Domaine Sylvie Esmonin is that of a family deeply rooted in the Burgundian terroir, with origins stretching back to the era of the Dukes of Burgundy, long before the region became French. Initially known as Domaine Michel Esmonin et Fille, named after Sylvie's father, the estate underwent a decisive turning point in the 1980s. At that time, the wines were still mostly sold in bulk to négociants, a common practice in Burgundy. However, when Sylvie Esmonin, a graduate in agronomy and seasoned as a consultant oenologist, joined the family estate in 1985, she imposed a bold vision: to produce and bottle wines under the estate's own label.

In 1998, Sylvie fully took over the reins and renamed the estate under her own name, marking the beginning of a new era. She transformed the philosophy of the estate by adopting organic practices as early as 1990, abandoning herbicides and favouring environmentally respectful viticulture. This transition, combined with a rigorous approach to winemaking, allowed the estate to rise among the greatest names in Gevrey-Chambertin. Today, Domaine Sylvie Esmonin is synonymous with excellence, driven by a woman who embodies both tradition and modernity, making her wines sought-after treasures by connoisseurs the world over.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Sylvie Esmonin

Domaine Sylvie Esmonin extends over 7.8 hectares, mainly located in Gevrey-Chambertin, with a few plots in neighbouring appellations such as Volnay and Meursault. The clay-limestone soils, typical of the region, offer ideal conditions for Pinot Noir, the estate's flagship grape variety, and Chardonnay for its rare white cuvées. The most prestigious plot is undoubtedly the Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Clos Saint-Jacques, of which Sylvie owns 1.6 hectares in a single block, making it the second largest share of this emblematic 6.7-hectare climat, shared among only five owners.

The Clos Saint-Jacques, often compared to a Grand Cru for its exceptional quality, benefits from a unique south-east exposure, offering an additional hour of sunlight each day. This characteristic, combined with the diversity of soils (marls at the top, limestone in the centre, clay at the bottom), imparts a remarkable complexity to the wines, blending power, finesse and depth. The other plots of the estate, such as those of the Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, some planted more than a century ago, contribute a unique concentration and minerality. The Pressonnier plot, located below the main road, produces a more accessible Bourgogne Rouge, while the vines of Brochon supply the Côte de Nuits-Villages cuvée. Finally, a small plot of Volnay Santenots and vines in Meursault complete this exceptional vineyard, carefully cultivated according to rigorous organic practices.

Winemaking at Domaine Sylvie Esmonin

Winemaking at Domaine Sylvie Esmonin is a careful balance between tradition and innovation, guided by respect for the terroir and the pursuit of optimal grape maturity. Sylvie Esmonin favours a minimalist approach, avoiding unnecessary interventions to allow the character of the grapes to express itself fully. Since the 1990s, she has progressively adopted whole-cluster vinification, a technique that varies according to the cuvée: up to 70% for the Clos Saint-Jacques, 60% for the Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, 30% for the Gevrey-Chambertin Villages, and fully destemmed vinification for the Bourgogne Rouge and the Côte de Nuits-Villages.

The grapes, harvested at perfect maturity over four to five days to ensure optimal homogeneity, are vinified in open wooden vats. Fermentation starts quickly, with moderate pigeage to extract sugars from whole clusters. After a maceration of approximately two weeks, the wines are transferred to oak barrels, a high proportion of which are new wood (up to 100% for the Clos Saint-Jacques) sourced from the renowned cooper Dominique Laurent. This judicious use of oak imparts an elegant woody signature to the wines, which integrates harmoniously over time. The wines are then bottled without filtration or fining, preserving their authenticity and ageing potential. This meticulous process produces wines that are both powerful and silky, capable of defying time.

The Cuvées of Domaine Sylvie Esmonin

Domaine Sylvie Esmonin offers a range of exceptional cuvées, each reflecting a unique terroir and the winemaker's expertise.

Bourgogne Rouge Cuvée Sylvie (0.80 ha): Sourced from the Pressonnier plot in Gevrey-Chambertin, this wine is crafted from deep clay soils. Entirely destemmed, it offers a light, fruity and lively texture, with aromas of cherry and a beautiful freshness. Perfect for immediate drinking, this Bourgogne Rouge is an excellent entry point for discovering the estate.

Côte de Nuits-Villages (0.62 ha): Produced from the Les Vignois and La Croix Violette plots in Brochon, this wine combines 50% whole clusters to reveal smoky, peppery notes and ripe tannins. Its structure, marked by active limestone, imparts a beautiful tension and a soft fruitiness, ideal for accompanying flavourful dishes.

Gevrey-Chambertin (4 ha): This cuvée, sourced from vines averaging 50 years of age, primarily located in the lieu-dit Les Crais, is vinified with 30% whole clusters. Rich and structured, this wine reveals aromas of cherry, white flowers and a beautiful roundness, with the finesse that characterises the style of Gevrey-Chambertin.

Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes (various plots): Crafted from vines over 60 years old, some of them centenarian, planted in 1919 and 1920, this cuvée is aged in 50% new barrels. It offers an intense concentration, toasted notes, dark fruits and a marked minerality. This wine, to be cellared for 6 to 10 years, reveals exceptional complexity and depth.

Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Clos Saint-Jacques (1.60 ha): The estate's flagship wine, sourced from the emblematic Clos Saint-Jacques, vinified with up to 70% whole clusters and aged in 100% new barrels. Its varied soils (marls, limestones, clays) and unique exposure produce a wine of rare complexity, blending wild fruits, incense, coffee grounds and a velvety texture. Considered a Grand Cru in terms of quality, it offers an ageing potential of several decades.

Volnay Premier Cru Santenots (0.18 ha): This rare cuvée, produced since 1995, is vinified with a variable proportion of whole clusters. It embodies the elegance of the Côte de Beaune with a powerful structure, notes of red fruits and a vibrant energy. A wine of character, perfect for lovers of Volnay.

Bourgogne Blanc (0.27 ha): Sourced from the Les Malpoiriers plot in Meursault, this Chardonnay yields low quantities but great finesse. Its floral and mineral aromas make it a confidential wine, often reserved for those close to the estate or enjoyed during the harvest.

Bourgogne Aligoté (0.10 ha): This light and fresh white wine, produced in very small quantities, is mainly intended for personal use, particularly during the harvest picnics.

Domaine Sylvie Esmonin is a must-visit address for any enthusiast wishing to purchase exceptional Gevrey-Chambertin wines. Thanks to the vision and talent of Sylvie Esmonin, this family estate has won the hearts of connoisseurs with elegant, concentrated cuvées that are true to their terroirs. Discover our selection now and take advantage of the best prices to enrich your cellar with these Burgundian gems!