Jérôme & Ghislaine Guichard

GUY BLANCHARD
The Montbellet region in the Mâconnais, while rich in agricultural diversity, has not been as prominent in wine growing as Chablis. However, the notion of organic cultivation was not just a passing trend; it was instinctively understood by the legendary winemaker Guy Blanchard. He operated without harmful additives, relied on his own yeasts, and never used sulphur in his wines. His unwavering commitment to organic practices was carried on by his successor, Jérôme Guichard, who took over Domaine Sauveterre in 2011. Jérôme pledged to uphold this legacy with intense passion, steadfast philosophy, and relentless drive, ensuring the wines remain of the highest quality and sustainable.

MAÑANA
With Jérôme Guichard at the helm, the wines now showcase fresh perspectives that surpass the muddied landscape of the wine world. While traditional wine tasters may express reservations, those who are willing to embrace innovation will find themselves captivated by these extraordinary unrefined white and red wines, which burst with a heavenly taste. Tasting with Jérôme can be a profound experience, revealing layers and nuances that challenge conventions. Despite the complexity, the vibrancy and excitement of these wines ensure we continuously seek to explore further. Varietals such as Bouchat, Perrières, Vin d'Montbled, Noir de Creuse Noire, Jus de Chaussette, Promesse, and Arrêts Fréquent each display intense flavors of Chardonnay, Gamay, and, more recently, Pinot Noir. Say hello to Mañana.

GRASS, HERBS, AND FLOWERS
Jérôme's approach to vineyard management exemplifies natural agriculture at its finest. Each vineyard is alive with biodiversity, where grass, herbs, and flowers thrive freely, filling the air with intoxicating aromas that define his wines. Since 2019, he has stopped ploughing and ceased using copper sprays to combat mildew, a decision rooted in his deep understanding that healthy soils yield superior grapes, even at lower quantities.

NO COMPROMISES
In the cellar, Jérôme adheres to a strict philosophy of no compromises. His healthy grapes undergo extended fermentation, and maturation in wooden barrels lasts for up to five years—or longer—until the acidity reaches perfect balance. Each Chardonnay is bottled separately, depending on the potential of its vineyard. For instance, Bouchat, which thrives on clay soil, delivers soft floral aromas, while the 90-year-old Les Perrières emerges from crumbled limestone, producing the rare and prestigious noble class of exceptional white Burgundy in top years. Since 2017, Jérôme has also embraced Gamay—known for its light-bodied, fruity character—cultivated on the steep, east-facing slopes of Promess, near Viré-Clessé. Despite the cooler climate, ripeness is seldom an issue, and Jérôme expertly balances brooding and bright textures to create captivating wines.

HEDONISTIC
Since 2012, we have been drawn to Jérôme's hedonistic wines, characterized by their striking labels and minimalist design. Throughout the years, he has demonstrated that restraint often yields the most profound results. The allure of these exquisite wines is further heightened by their limited availability, as they frequently sell out before we even have a chance. This exclusivity amplifies the excitement of acquiring these exceptional trophies.