GENERAL INFORMATION

Producer: Jean-Charles Fagot

Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Founded: 1920
Annual Production (of all wines): 35,000 bottles
Farming: Sustainable
Website: www.aubergeduvieuxvigneron.com

The Fagot family has been located in the small village of Corpeau since 1860. Just outside Chassagne-Montrachet, it is located near some of the most prestigious vineyards in the Cote de Beaune, so it would be fair to say that wine is in the family’s blood. Jean-Charles is part of the 5th generation of Fagots in the area and the third generation to own vineyard acreage in Chassagne-Montrachet.

Jean-Charles has both followed in his ancestor’s footsteps and paved his own path, beginning with his schooling. He took the expected route of attending the Lycee Viticole de Beaune (the region’s prestigious wine school), but also studied percussion and vocals at the nearby Mâcon Conservatory. This latter education formed his younger years, as he went to Paris and then Los Angeles to record albums and produce a television show.

Returning to his roots in the mid-1990s, Jean-Charles returned to Corpeau and began taking over the family business from his father. Always one to be independent, however, he founded local restaurant Auberge de Vieux Vigneron in 1998 creating a new facet to the Fagot name. The restaurant has become a fixture of the area, creating a draw for local and international gastronomes alike, who flock there to enjoy Jean-Charles’ take on the regional cuisine of Burgundy.

He didn’t ignore the viticultural background of the family, either. Drawing on his family’s connections as well and friendships made due to his popular restaurant, Jean-Charles has been able to elevate the quality of grapes sourced from such Burgundian luminaries as Alain Gros.

On his estate vineyards, Jean-Charles employs lutte raisonée, a method of growing in which chemical intervention is employed only when necessary. The wines are vinified traditionally and naturally, utilizing oak foudres and 12-14 month long aging periods in the Fagot cellars.