Ballot-Millot Meursault, Burgundy, France 2023
Domaine Ballot-Millot has roots in Meursault stretching back to the 17th century, its name a union of the Ballot and Millot family lines. Today the estate is led by Charles Ballot, the 15th generation, who took over in 2001 and has significantly elevated quality while protecting an enviable portfolio of old vines. Holding 10 hectares across Meursault and the Côte de Beaune — including Premier Cru parcels in Perrières, Genevrières, Charmes, and Bouchères — the domaine is one of the few in Meursault to hold all three of the village's greatest Premier Crus. Charles's style aligns with what observers call the Roulot school: tensile, racy, and terroir-expressive rather than rich or heavy. The village Meursault is a blend of five distinct parcels across the appellation, offering a composite portrait of the commune.
- Winemaker: Charles Ballot
- Farming: Organic in practice (uncertified). Herbicide-free; soils ploughed. Yields significantly reduced; rigorous sorting. No chemical or systemic treatments.
- Variety: Chardonnay 100%
- Terroir: Meursault AOC, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy. A blend of five estate parcels across the village of Meursault, spanning the limestone and marl soils of the Côte de Beaune's most celebrated white wine commune. Vine age across the domaine's Meursault holdings ranges from approximately 30 to 70 years. The diversity of parcel exposures and soil profiles within the blend contributes complexity and balance.
- Vinification: Slow pressing at low pressure without sulfur addition at press. Juice settled for approximately 24 hours, then fermented in French oak barrels with indigenous yeasts, on full lees without stirring.
- Aging: Approximately 12 months in French oak (15% new for village wines), followed by 6 months in stainless steel tank before bottling.
- Tasting Notes: Pale gold with green highlights. The nose is precise and focused — citrus zest, ripe pear, white flowers, and hazelnut with a flinty mineral undercurrent. The palate is tensile and well-structured, with vibrant acidity, a lively mid-palate of orchard fruit and light cream, and a long, saline finish.
- Food Pairings: Roast chicken with herb butter, grilled turbot, scallops with beurre blanc, veal blanquette, and aged Comté.
Ballot-Millot Meursault, Burgundy, France 2023
Domaine Ballot-Millot has roots in Meursault stretching back to the 17th century, its name a union of the Ballot and Millot family lines. Today the estate is led by Charles Ballot, the 15th generation, who took over in 2001 and has significantly elevated quality while protecting an enviable portfolio of old vines. Holding 10 hectares across Meursault and the Côte de Beaune — including Premier Cru parcels in Perrières, Genevrières, Charmes, and Bouchères — the domaine is one of the few in Meursault to hold all three of the village's greatest Premier Crus. Charles's style aligns with what observers call the Roulot school: tensile, racy, and terroir-expressive rather than rich or heavy. The village Meursault is a blend of five distinct parcels across the appellation, offering a composite portrait of the commune.
- Winemaker: Charles Ballot
- Farming: Organic in practice (uncertified). Herbicide-free; soils ploughed. Yields significantly reduced; rigorous sorting. No chemical or systemic treatments.
- Variety: Chardonnay 100%
- Terroir: Meursault AOC, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy. A blend of five estate parcels across the village of Meursault, spanning the limestone and marl soils of the Côte de Beaune's most celebrated white wine commune. Vine age across the domaine's Meursault holdings ranges from approximately 30 to 70 years. The diversity of parcel exposures and soil profiles within the blend contributes complexity and balance.
- Vinification: Slow pressing at low pressure without sulfur addition at press. Juice settled for approximately 24 hours, then fermented in French oak barrels with indigenous yeasts, on full lees without stirring.
- Aging: Approximately 12 months in French oak (15% new for village wines), followed by 6 months in stainless steel tank before bottling.
- Tasting Notes: Pale gold with green highlights. The nose is precise and focused — citrus zest, ripe pear, white flowers, and hazelnut with a flinty mineral undercurrent. The palate is tensile and well-structured, with vibrant acidity, a lively mid-palate of orchard fruit and light cream, and a long, saline finish.
- Food Pairings: Roast chicken with herb butter, grilled turbot, scallops with beurre blanc, veal blanquette, and aged Comté.