From: Meloisey, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy
Varietal: Chardonnay

Taste: On the nose, the wine unfolds a delicate bouquet that begins with bright floral aromas, such as acacia and honeysuckle, gently intertwined with hints of citrus zest and green apple. Subtle nuances of buttery brioche and crushed almond add depth, while a faint minerality reminiscent of wet stone provides a fresh, refined character. The wine is beautifully balanced on the palate. Crisp notes of lemon, lime, and juicy pear dominate the foreground, complemented by ripe white peach. The mid-palate reveals a subtle sweetness reminiscent of brown sugar, integrated seamlessly with a creamy texture. A hint of lightly toasted oak imparts a whisper of vanilla and spice, while the finish is long, clean, and refreshing, underscored by a bright acidity and a lingering minerality.

Pairing: Pan-seared scallops with lemon butter sauce make an excellent choice for seafood lovers. The wine’s acidity and minerality highlight the scallops' natural sweetness, while the buttery sauce mirrors the subtle creaminess of the wine. Similarly, grilled salmon with dill and a yogurt sauce complement the wine’s citrus and green apple notes. The tanginess of the yogurt and the bright flavors of dill enhance the richness of the salmon while balancing the wine's refreshing character. A classic chicken piccata with its lemony, caper-studded sauce is another stellar pairing. The zesty and savory profile of the dish harmonizes perfectly with the wine’s vibrant acidity, creating a refreshing interplay. A vegetable risotto with Parmesan and asparagus is an ideal match for a vegetarian option. The creamy texture of the risotto echoes the wine’s creaminess, while the asparagus and Parmesan bring out its fresh and savory elements, enhancing the overall dining experience. A fresh goat cheese tart with herbs is an excellent choice for something lighter. The tart’s flaky crust and tangy goat cheese filling align well with the wine’s vibrant acidity, while the herbs highlight its delicate floral and mineral nuances. Finally, steamed mussels in white wine and garlic broth offer a simple yet sophisticated pairing. The briny character of the mussels and the light, aromatic broth echo the purity and elegance of the wine, allowing its nuanced flavors to shine.



Roasted Dill Salmon
By Naz Deravian



Wine Notes: Crafted all from Chardonnay grapes. This wine originates from two plots in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, both characterized by clay-limestone soils. The first plot, La Lié, is a young parcel located in the commune of Meloisey. The second plot, Sous Le Château, is a vineyard approximately 40 years old, situated in the commune of Baubigny.

The vinification process for this wine is meticulous, aiming to preserve the purity and expression of the Chardonnay grape. Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occur in 456-liter barrels, with no new oak employed to maintain subtlety. The wine undergoes aging for 12 months in these barrels, followed by three more months in vats before bottling.

About. Domaine Agnès Paquet is a notable winery in Meloisey, a quaint village in the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy, France. The estate spans approximately 13 hectares, encompassing vineyards in appellations such as Auxey-Duresses, Pommard, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Saint-Aubin Premier Cru "Les Perrières." The domaine is renowned for producing elegant and refined wines that reflect the unique terroir of Burgundy.

The history of Domaine Agnès Paquet dates back to the 1950s when Agnès's grandparents acquired a parcel of land in Auxey-Duresses. Initially, the family rented the vineyards to local winegrowers without direct involvement in viticulture or winemaking. This changed in 2000 when Agnès, driven by a passion for wine and a desire to preserve her family's patrimony, decided to reclaim the vineyards and establish her winery.

Agnès's journey into winemaking was unconventional. After completing a business degree, she felt a strong inclination towards viticulture and enrolled in additional studies to learn the essentials of winemaking. Without a familial background in winemaking, she faced challenges, including navigating the male-dominated wine industry of the 1990s. Her determination and commitment led to the production of her first vintage in 2001, marking the beginning of Domaine Agnès Paquet.

Over the years, Agnès expanded the estate by acquiring additional plots, increasing the vineyard area to its current 13 hectares. The vineyards are planted with traditional Burgundy grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Aligoté. Notably, the domaine includes a significant 5-hectare parcel in Auxey-Duresses, constituting nearly 40% of the estate's holdings.

Agnès emphasizes respect for the terroir and sustainable viticultural practices in her winemaking philosophy. Since 2004, the vineyards have been managed without the use of herbicides. In 2019, the estate began the organic certification process, with the 2021 vintage being the first to bear the "AB" (Agriculture Biologique) label. Manual labor is integral to vineyard management, especially during the growing season, ensuring meticulous care of the vines.

The winemaking process at Domaine Agnès Paquet is characterized by minimal intervention. Harvesting is done by hand, and fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts. For white wines, alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occur in barrels, with aging periods ranging from 11 to 18 months, depending on the cuvée and vintage. Red wines undergo fermentation in concrete vats for 15 to 20 days, with a portion of whole clusters included, followed by barrel aging for 10 to 12 months, utilizing 15% to 30% new oak.

Agnès's dedication to quality and innovative approach has garnered recognition in the wine community. Her wines are celebrated for their purity, elegance, and expression of the unique characteristics of each vineyard site. Approximately 40% of the estate's production is exported, with the remainder distributed to restaurants and wine shops across France, reflecting her commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the domestic market.