The Natural Elements of JB Jessiaume
The movement of nature, energy and music impacts us as humans as it does equally wine, what matters is being in tune with the land - Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of seven generations of Jessiaume winemakers, their roots deeply intertwined with the soul of Santenay, France. In 1830, their journey began with the purchase of land from the Marquis of Saint-Innoncent,setting the stage for a remarkable lineage built on passion and respect for the terroir.
Fast forward to 2012, and a new chapter unfolds. Jean-Baptiste, along with his father Marc and uncle, take over the Domaine Chanzy. By 2022, driven by an unwavering pursuit of excellence, they embark on a fresh venture, establishing Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume.
But the Jessiaume legacy extends beyond vineyards and vintages. The La Cloche Jessiaume church bell and cross adorning their labels serve as constant reminders of their family's deep connection to the region. Today, Jean-Baptiste cultivates 12.5 hectares of land across Pommard, Saint-Aubin, Beaune, Saint-Romain, and Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. Notably, 60% of these vines are dedicated to white grapes, nurtured on a symphony of soils - limestone, clay, and gravel. This diversity forms the very essence of Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume wines, imbuing them with a captivating complexity and character.
Minimal intervention is the guiding principle here. Hand-harvested grapes undergo whole-cluster fermentation in small batches, nurtured by native yeasts. Time gracefully unfolds its magic in oak barrels for up to 18 months, allowing the wines to reach their full potential.
But the magic of Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume goes beyond the tangible. Here, music, the earth's natural rhythm, and the enigmatic terroir intertwine. Marc, and now Jean-Baptiste, employ a frequency rod to transmit energy throughout the barrel rooms, harmonizing with the moon's cycle. This dance of energy, meticulously timed for both white and red wines, is believed to nurture the wines, removing negativity and ensuring a harmonious development.
Adding to the symphony of the senses, La Petite Lune by Mozart serenades the aging process, maintaining a consistent rhythm during fermentation. Witnessing this unique approach firsthand is a truly mesmerizing experience. The result? Wines renowned for their elegance, balance, and the purest expression of fruit. Each sip is an invitation to explore the depths of Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume's artistry.
We had the privilege of savoring three exceptional expressions:
Santenay Sous La Roche Village 2021: A symphony of 35-40 year old Chardonnay vines, aged for 18 months.Iodine, grassy lemon, and mineral notes culminate in a saline grapefruit pith finale.
Santenay Clos Du Haut Village 2021 Rouge: Crafted from 35-40 year old Pinot Noir vines, minerality takes center stage. Cranberry, pomegranate, violet, minerals, iodine, and wet leaves dance on the palate, finishing with a kiss of freshness and delicate elegance.
Santenay Gravières 2021: Hailing from gravel soils, this wine exudes power and elegance. Well-integrated tannins mingle with earthy mint flavors and a hint of wetness, allowing fresh fruit to shine through.
Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume is more than just wine; each sip is an invitation to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Burgundy, where nature's music and human artistry create an unforgettable symphony of flavor.
