Gagnard-Delagrange — the wines we carry

The domaine was formerly managed by the late Jacques Gagnard as head of the estate, father-in-law to Richard Fontaine of Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard. Following Jacques's passing in July 2009 at the age of 80, his wife took over the domaine with the assistance of Richard Fontaine and Jean-Marc Blain—head of Domaine Blanc-Gagnard and likewise a son-in-law.

The vinification of the 2009 vintage was spearheaded primarily by Jean-Marc's son, Marc-Antonin. Because Jacques was not involved in this vinification, the 2008 vintage can truly be considered Jacques's final masterpiece. The late Jacques began making wine in 1960, and while his vineyard holdings are quite modest at around two hectares, the vast majority consist of old vines aged 50 years or older. Furthermore, for almost all cuvées, grapes are acquired through métayage arrangements with the Fontaine and Blanc families.

White wines undergo cold-soaking to develop aromas and are vinified in oak barrels for 16 to 18 months. Reds are destemmed, subjected to alcoholic fermentation over two to three weeks, and aged in oak barrels for 16 to 18 months. While the wines of Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard are filtered prior to bottling, those of Gagnard-Delagrange are unfiltered, resulting in a more tannic profile. Another distinctive characteristic is their extended barrel-aging period, which naturally lends itself to wines capable of graceful longevity. Domaine Finesse materials