Domaine Jessiaume

Domaine Jessiaume is a historic Burgundian estate located in Santenay, at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune. Founded in 1850 by the Jessiaume family, the domaine forms part of Burgundy’s classical heritage and has evolved over more than 170 years by combining tradition, respect for terroir and a contemporary vision of viticulture and winemaking.

Domaine Jessiaume was established in 1850 by the Jessiaume family, deeply rooted in Santenay. For generations, the estate built its reputation on a precise interpretation of the southern Côte de Beaune climats, producing wines renowned for their elegance and authenticity. Between 2006 and 2020, the domaine was owned by Scottish businessman Sir David Murray, a period during which the technical structure was strengthened and the facilities modernised.

In 2020, the winery entered a new era following its acquisition by Dr Jean-François Le Bigot, a biomedical researcher and passionate lover of Burgundy wines. Under his direction, the project has further reinforced its qualitative ambitions while maintaining the technical team and deepening a philosophy based on minimal intervention and absolute respect for the vineyard.

Domaine Jessiaume currently cultivates around 15 hectares of vineyards spread across some of the most representative appellations of the Côte de Beaune. Its plots are mainly located in Santenay, Auxey-Duresses, Beaune, Pommard and Volnay, including both village vineyards and highly regarded premier crus. The predominantly clay-limestone soils with abundant stones give the wines tension, depth and ageing potential. The diversity of exposures and microclimates allows the domaine to craft a broad and precise range that faithfully reflects the Burgundian concept of climat.

Since the mid-2010s, Domaine Jessiaume has undertaken a profound transition towards organic viticulture, also incorporating biodynamic principles. Vineyard work prioritises soil life, biodiversity and the natural balance of the vine, avoiding synthetic products. Each parcel is farmed individually, with manual harvesting and controlled yields to ensure even ripening and pure expression of origin.

In the cellar, the philosophy is clearly one of minimal intervention. Grapes are vinified with indigenous yeasts, extractions are gentle and controlled, and chaptalisation is avoided whenever the vintage permits. Ageing takes place mainly in carefully selected barrels, seeking balance and precision rather than overt oak influence.

The style of Domaine Jessiaume wines is defined by elegance, freshness and aromatic transparency. Both the Chardonnay whites and the Pinot Noir reds display refined structure, strong terroir identity and remarkable harmony on the palate.

The domaine’s range extends from regional and village appellations to emblematic premier crus, with particular emphasis on Santenay 1er Cru Les Gravières, Beaune 1er Cru Les Cent-Vignes, Volnay 1er Cru and several expressions from Auxey-Duresses and Pommard. Each cuvée is designed to faithfully reflect its parcel origin and vintage.