DOMAINE GOUFFIER

When Frédéric Gueugneau was growing up in the village of Fontaines, he would often work at the Gouffier estate under the direction of Jerome Gouffier. Years later, when Gouffier fell ill, Frédéric came home once again to lend a helping hand by managing the day-to-day operations of the estate. When his elder neighbor passed away, Frédéric was asked by the Gouffier family to assume control of the domaine in 2011.

The nearly 200-year old estate had been through several name changes throughout its history but had always remained a part of the extended Gouffier lineage. The property oozes history, as evidenced by its stunning, stone-domed cellar, which had once served as a bunker in the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. With 5.5-hectares spread across eight appellations, the domaine was in need of a fresh start. Frédéric, who had worked previously at La Chabliesienne for eight years, took about the task of reinvigorating the vines of Gouffier by instituting organic farming practices. While there are no vineyards in Fontaines—which sits between the villages of Mercurey and Rully—the varied sites throughout the area allow Frédéric and his partner, Benoit Pagot, to offer several expressions of Cote Chalonnaise. The domaine contracts a single cooper—Doreau Tonneliers of Cognac—with Thierry Doreau making several trips to aid Frédéric and Benoit in finding the perfect match between barrel and wine. In fact, nearly 20% of the wood used to make the barrels used in the cellar come from the forest just beyond the walls of the property. Recent vintages of Gouffier have reflected the intelligent approach of infusion, demonstrating perfect balance, a flawless integration of ageing, resulting in wines of energy and precision which have garnered attention and accolades in France.

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SCORE LEGEND
DC - Decanter, INT                              WE - Wine Enthusiast, INT
RP - Robert Parker, INT                       WS - Wine Spectator, INT
W&S - Wine & Spirits Magazine, INT                    

2019 RULLY CHARDONNAY "TERROIR DES CALCAIRES"
+857225 · 6x750ml · ORGANIC

100% Chardonnay.
Our Rully “Terroirs de Calcaires” is a wine coming from a parcel planted with Chardonnay on a silty and rocky tableland soil. In the cellar, Benoit Pagot enologist associate, vinifies and ages the hand harvested grapes entirely in 228L oak barrels, with 30% new oak coming from forests in the Vosges region, in order to keep its freshness. This Rully unveils a very clear yellow robe. This cuvée with lemon and flowers aromas reflects a mineral and easily digestible matter.
Ideal with a seafood platter, grilled king prawns or fresh goat’s cheese.

STATUS: OPEN

Current Vintage     

2019 LES MURGERS
+802187 · 6x750ml · ORGANIC

100% Pinot Noir.
A wine with a strong color, a nose of black fruits and spices but not without a hint of minerality, it reveals itself in the frank and straightforward mouth, in the purest style of its appellation.
Ideal partner of beef in all its expressions, a braised tab skewer will allow him to express all his character.

STATUS: OPEN

Current Vintage      Past Vintage

2019 CLOS L'EVEQUE PREMIER CRU
+802186 · 6x750ml · ORGANIC

100% Pinot Noir.
The colour is a deep, profound ruby. This crisp-fruited wine evokes strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. Age brings in notes of underbrush, spicy tobacco notes and cocoa beans. In the mouth this wine is rich, full-bodied, and chewy. In its youth, the tannins of this wine lend it a mineral firmness.
This wine brings out the best from beef rib steaks, or joints of beef or lamb, braised or in sauce. Roast pork is well suited to its rich aromas, as are poultry-based stews. Exotic dishes likewise prove worthy partners for this wine. As for the cheeseboard, this wine harmonizes equally well with either mild, soft cheeses or aged versions. Serving temperatures: 14 to 15°C for young wines.

STATUS: SOLD OUT

Current Vintage      Past Vintage