Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot, Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, France, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Jean-Marc Pillot is the fourth generation of his branch of the Pillot family to tend vineyards in Chassagne Montrachet. He joined his father, Jean, in 1985 to learn the craft of “vigneron”. After six years of working side-by-side, Jean-Marc assumed the direction of the domaine in 1991 with the assistance of his wife, Nadine, and his sister, Beatrice. Of course, his father, Jean, remains by his side rendering advice and valuable assistance in the vineyards (often while he is tending the garden in back of the chai!). Jean-Marc has instituted several changes at the estate, the most prominent of which is the construction of a new cave. Of equal importance, Jean-Marc expanded the amount of vineyards under cultivation and has made subtle modifications in vinification and elevage to place his own “mark” on this estate which now covers approximately fifteen hectares with an annual production of, more or less, 60,000 bottles.

The domaine is dominated by its production of white wines but there are important cuvées of red wine produced here as well. Vineyard holdings are spread throughout the village of Chassagne with subsidiary parcels in Puligny, Santenay, Meursault and Remigny (to the south). This breadth of real estate enables the Pillot family to produce a stunning range of wines that put on brilliant display the intricacies of terroir in this southern tier of the Cote de Beaune. The estate's jewels are its premier crus blancs (Baudines, Chenevottes, Macherelles, Vergers, Morgeot, Caillerets, La Maltroie and Champs Gain) and premier cru rouges (Macherelles, Morgeot, Clos St.Jean), all within the boundaries of Chassagne Montrachet. However, one should not overlook several gems that come from less exalted appellations, such as the Bourgogne Blanc "Grands Champs", the Bourgogne Rouge "Grandes Terres", and the expressive Santenay Rouge "Champs Claude"; and, of course, there are the fine village wines in both white and red from Chassagne. Jean-Marc also accesses grapes in very limited quantities from interesting appellations like his Montagny 1er Cru "Les Gouresses" and Saint Romain Blanc “La Perriere”.

Winemaker
Jean-Marc Pillot

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Burgundy, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Sourced from seven different small parcels scattered throughout the appellation and encompassing plantings between 1950 and 2010, Pillot’s village-level Chassagne-Montrachet offers a dynamic combination of richness, precision, mineral depth, and vigorous acidity. Beginning in 2021, Antonin transitioned from 228-liter to 350-liter barrels for the élevage of the majority this cuvée, employing a large Stockinger foudre for the remaining 10%; these larger vessels lessen the impact of oak on the wine and slow the process of oxygenation favorably.

91 Points - Jasper Morris
Attractive pale colour. The bouquet is reticent with fresh citrus, and some leesy minerals. Definitely some citrus notes on the palate too along with white apple fruit, good length, well balanced, white wine terroirs. 

Product size: 750ml