Sylvie Esmonin

History of Domaine Sylvie Esmonin

The story of Domaine Sylvie Esmonin is that of a family deeply rooted in Burgundy’s terroir, with origins dating back to the time of the Dukes of Burgundy, long before the region became part of France. Originally known as Domaine Michel Esmonin et Fille, after Sylvie’s father, the estate took a decisive turn in the 1980s. At the time, most of its wine was still sold in bulk to merchants, a common practice in Burgundy. But when Sylvie Esmonin, an agronomy graduate with experience as a consulting enologist, joined the family estate in 1985, she brought a bold vision: producing and bottling wines under the estate’s own label.

In 1998, Sylvie took full control and renamed the estate after herself, marking the start of a new era. She transformed its philosophy by adopting organic practices as early as 1990, abandoning herbicides and favoring environmentally conscious viticulture. This transition, combined with a rigorous approach to winemaking, helped establish the estate among the leading names in Gevrey-Chambertin. Today, Domaine Sylvie Esmonin is synonymous with excellence, guided by a woman who embodies both tradition and modernity and whose wines are sought after by connoisseurs worldwide.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Sylvie Esmonin

Domaine Sylvie Esmonin covers 7.8 hectares, primarily in Gevrey-Chambertin, with a few plots in neighboring appellations such as Volnay and Meursault. The region’s typical clay-limestone soils provide ideal conditions for Pinot Noir, the estate’s signature grape, and Chardonnay, used for its rare white cuvées. Its most prestigious plot is undoubtedly Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Clos Saint-Jacques, where Sylvie owns 1.6 contiguous hectares—the second-largest holding in this iconic 6.7-hectare climat, shared by just five owners.

Clos Saint-Jacques, often compared to a Grand Cru for its exceptional quality, benefits from a unique southeastern exposure that gives it an extra hour of sunlight each day. This feature, combined with diverse soils (marl at the top, limestone in the middle and clay at the bottom), gives the wines remarkable complexity, blending power, finesse and depth. The estate’s other plots, including those used for Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, some of which were planted over a century ago, bring exceptional concentration and minerality. The Pressonnier plot, below the main road, produces a more approachable Bourgogne Rouge, while the vines in Brochon supply the Côte de Nuits-Villages cuvée. Finally, a small plot in Volnay Santenots and vines in Meursault complete this exceptional vineyard, carefully cultivated using rigorous organic practices.

Winemaking at Domaine Sylvie Esmonin

Winemaking at Domaine Sylvie Esmonin strikes a skillful balance between tradition and innovation, guided by respect for the terroir and a pursuit of optimal grape ripeness. Sylvie Esmonin favors a minimalist approach, avoiding unnecessary intervention so the character of the grapes can fully express itself. Since the 1990s, she has gradually adopted whole-cluster fermentation, varying the proportion by cuvée: up to 70% for Clos Saint-Jacques, 60% for Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes and 30% for Gevrey-Chambertin Villages, while Bourgogne Rouge and Côte de Nuits-Villages are vinified entirely with destemmed grapes.

The grapes are harvested at peak ripeness over four to five days to ensure optimal consistency, then vinified in open wooden vats. Fermentation begins quickly, with moderate punch-downs to extract sugars from the whole clusters. After about two weeks of maceration, the wines are transferred to oak barrels, with a high proportion of new oak (up to 100% for Clos Saint-Jacques) sourced from renowned cooper Dominique Laurent. This judicious use of oak gives the wines an elegant woody signature that integrates harmoniously over time. The wines are then bottled without filtration or fining, preserving their authenticity and aging potential. This meticulous process yields wines that are both powerful and silky, capable of standing the test of 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 comes from deep clay soils. Made entirely from destemmed grapes, it has a light, fruity, lively character, with cherry aromas and lovely freshness. Perfect for drinking now, this Bourgogne Rouge is an excellent introduction to the estate.

Côte de Nuits-Villages (0.62 ha): Produced from the Les Vignois and La Croix Violette plots in Brochon, this wine is made with 50% whole clusters, revealing smoky, peppery notes and ripe tannins. Its structure, shaped by active limestone, lends it lovely tension and gentle fruitiness, making it ideal with flavorful dishes.

Gevrey-Chambertin (4 ha): Sourced mainly from the Les Crais lieu-dit, this cuvée comes from vines averaging 50 years of age and is vinified with 30% whole clusters. Rich and structured, it reveals aromas of cherry and white flowers, along with lovely roundness and the finesse characteristic of Gevrey-Chambertin.

Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes (various plots): Made from vines over 60 years old, including some century-old vines planted in 1919 and 1920, this cuvée is aged in 50% new oak barrels. It offers intense concentration, toasted notes, dark fruit and pronounced minerality. Intended to be cellared for 6 to 10 years, this wine reveals exceptional complexity and depth.

Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Clos Saint-Jacques (1.60 ha): The estate’s flagship wine comes from the iconic Clos Saint-Jacques. It is vinified with up to 70% whole clusters and aged entirely in new oak barrels. Its varied soils (marl, limestone and clay) and unique exposure produce a wine of rare complexity, combining wild fruit, incense and coffee-ground notes with a velvety texture. Considered Grand Cru quality, it can age for several decades.

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

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

Bourgogne Aligoté (0.10 ha): Produced in very small quantities, this light, fresh white wine is mainly intended for personal enjoyment, particularly at harvest-time picnics.

Domaine Sylvie Esmonin is an essential destination for anyone looking to buy exceptional Gevrey-Chambertin wines. Thanks to Sylvie Esmonin’s vision and talent, this family estate has won over connoisseurs with elegant, concentrated cuvées that remain true to their terroirs. Explore our selection today and enjoy the best prices as you add these Burgundian gems to your cellar!