Domaine François Gaunoux

The forebear of clan Gaunoux was Henri Gaunoux, whose sons François and Michel developed separate domaines in Meursault and Pommard respectively. Domaine François Gaunoux, also known as Château Gaunoux, is located alongside their Clos de Tavaux vines, with sales outlets also in Beaune and by the road between Pommard and Volnay. It is run today by Claudine, daughter of François, fanatical in the vines, where as much as possible is done by hand.

Pruning starts early while harvesting is typically late. Grapes of both colours are destemmed (now rare in white) before vinification in stainless steel. The solids in the whites are significantly settled out before fermentation, while the reds are clarified after pressing, after which both colours continue their maturation entirely in stainless steel, not a barrel in sight, on minimal lees, for two winters, with a racking after the malolactic fermentation.

“We don’t do this in order to become champions of stainless steel tanks – we do this because we have great terroirs and don’t want them to be covered in oak” explains Claudine and her husband Jean-Pierre. Their wines show best with bottle age, and fortunately this is a domaine which does keep back significant stocks for late release.

• Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens
• Pommard 1er Cru Grands Epenots
• Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots
• Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes
• Beaune 1er Cru Clos de Mouches
• Pommard Les Tavannes

• Meursault 1er Cru La Goutte d’Or
• Meursault Clos de Tavaux
• Meursault Clos des Meix Chavaux