Arnaud Ente
Arnaud Ente is considered one of Meursault’s most refined and perfectionist winemakers. Although his wines are among the absolute best in white Burgundy today, his rise is relatively recent compared to established icons. Arnaud settled in Meursault in the 1990s and, together with his wife Marie-Ode, began building an estate that is small in size but big in reputation. Their meticulous way of working and almost obsessive attention to detail have quickly elevated the domaine to cult status. Today, Arnaud is supported by his son Pierre, who is given increasing responsibility in both vineyard and cellar.
Ente’s wines are very scarce. Due to minimal production and huge demand, they are among the most sought-after bottles in Burgundy, especially in France and Japan, where his style is particularly loved. Many enthusiasts regard his Meursaults as textbook examples of precision and purity. The domaine owns small plots in and around Meursault, including La Sève du Clos and Les Petits Charrons. Although Meursault is the heart of production, Ente also makes small quantities of wine in Puligny-Montrachet and Volnay. Its total area is only about 4 hectares, which contributes to the extreme exclusivity of its wines.
Ente’s approach is uncompromising. He harvests very early to preserve maximum freshness and uses extremely low yields. Vinification is tight and artless, with purity being paramount. The wines typically mature for 12 to 18 months in oak, a limited percentage of which is new. Everything is aimed at preserving tension, minerality and transparency. Bottling is done with minimal intervention: clear, precise and without concessions. Ente’s style is recognisable: intense, crystalline and energetic, with aromas of citrus, white flowers and finely woven minerality. The finish is long and almost weightless. A winery that excels in subtlety, proving that perfection sometimes lies in the small.
