Domaine Ballot-Millot

The charming village of Meursault in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune has long been a beacon for connoisseurs of fine white wine. This cherished appellation has been shaped by the tireless efforts of legendary estates such as Coche-Dury, Roulot, and Comtes Lafon, who have not only set the benchmark for the classic Meursault style but also catapulted the region's renown to new heights. Within this constellation of luminaries, Domaine Ballot-Millot has been steadfastly carving its own path to greatness.

Domaine Ballot-Millot: Côte de Beaune Heritage

The Ballot family's roots run deep in Meursault, a heritage that stretches back centuries. However, under the visionary stewardship of Charles Ballot, who took the reins in 2001, the domaine has truly come into its own. Charles has breathed new life into the estate, deftly balancing tradition with a more modern approach.

Domaine Ballot-Millot: Vineyards

Tending to the old vines that span Ballot-Millot's modest 10-hectare vineyard holdings, comprising both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Charles has guided the domaine through a remarkable evolution. He embraces a philosophy of minimal intervention and organic methods, allowing the unique character of each site to shine through in the finished wines.

Ballot-Millot Wines

What truly sets Ballot-Millot apart is the character of the wines themselves. Charles' Meursaults are taut, energetic, and unapologetically terroir-driven, departing from the richer, more opulent style that prevailed a generation ago. By employing oak judiciously, Charles allows the wines to express a clear sense of place, inviting comparisons to Roulot, a star producer renowned for crafting wines of minerality-driven elegance. This contemporary approach has positioned Ballot-Millot as a rising force in the region, enchanting wine enthusiasts with a more reserved approach for showcasing a sense of place.

Ballot-Millot: Meursault Vineyards

Among the crown jewels of Ballot-Millot's holdings are three celebrated Meursault sites: Perrières, Genevrières, and Charmes. Perrières, in particular, is so highly regarded that it is often considered capable of expressing Chardonnay at a Grand Cru level, thanks to its exceptional terroir and ability to produce wines of extraordinary depth. Perrières' shallow, stony soils and ideal exposure to the sun creates the perfect conditions for nurturing Chardonnays that are both powerful and elegant.

Ballot-Millot: Investment Wines

As the landscape of fine wine continues to shift, it is estates like Ballot-Millot that are charting the course forward, crafting soulful, terroir-expressive wines of high quality. For those eager to experience the pulse of contemporary Meursault, Ballot-Millot is a name to watch.