ABOUT: Capitain-Gagnerot has extraordinarily deep roots in Burgundy. Starting as wine merchants in the 17th century, the Domaine Gagnerot was eventually established in 1802 on the eastern slope of Corton. In 1864 a wine merchant named Francois Capitain married into the family and Domaine Capitain-Gagnerot was established. Post WWII Roger Capitain inherited the vineyards and wine business and continued moving things forward. The domaine was then passed on to his sons Patrice and Michel, and today is operated by Patrice’s kids, Pierre-Francois and Delphine. They currently farm 16 hectares of vines throughout the Cotes de Beaune and Cotes de Nuits and are biodynamic certified. They were voted “winemakers of the year” in 2021 by the Guide Hachette, which is one of France’s oldest and best selling wine guides. The majority of their wines are sold in France with only a small amount shipped elsewhere. As a retailer, we’re thrilled by the price of their wines as much as the stellar quality. Burgundy can be a tricky proposition for consumers, Capitain-Gagnerot makes it much easier. TASTE: We were thrilled that we could get our hands on some Capitain-Gagnerot Pernand-Vergelesses 2018. The production of this wine is tiny, a couple thousand bottles made, a couple hundred shipped to the US. It’s produced from half a hectare of Pinot Noir from a parcel in Pernand-Vergelesses named Les Boutieres, known for having deep clay soils dating from the middle Jurassic era. They’re tripping over dinosaur bones I guess. Round and rustic in style with earthy aromas and flavors of raspberries, plum, licorice, and mint. Very well made with a long finish and tannins that are rugged and designed to carry this wine into the future with good development. This wine is scarce and offers incredible value. PAIR: Baked Vacherin, fried rice with Goji berries, roasted bell pepper risotto, tarragon carrots and green beans, and edamame with soy and sesame sauce.
