Domaine Fernand & Laurent Pillot, Champgains Blanc 1er Cru Chassagne Montrachet, Burgundy, France, 2024

Producer Profile

Laurent Pillot, who took over the running of this domaine in his mid-20s, transformed his family’s estate from one devoted to grape-growing into one of the more distinguished winemaking estates in the Côte de Beaune, though he has since transferred the winemaking responsibilities to his son, Adrien.

Consisting of a superb collection of vineyards and a modern winemaking facility on the edge of St Aubin, both the domaine’s reds and whites are of an excellent quality – notably the white Chassagne-Montrachet and the rounded, sultry Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Rouge, both of which clearly express a beautiful underlying minerality.

Viticulture

This 0.84‑acre parcel of Chardonnay, pruned in simple Guyot, was replanted in 2002 and lies close to the family home. Prior to replanting, the soil was left to regenerate naturally for five years without fertilisers, resulting in healthy vines already producing notably mature grapes.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, followed by élevage in barrel until the following summer. This slow maturation helps the wine integrate structure and aromatics before bottling at the estate after 11–12 months.

Tasting Note

The wine offers a warm, long and generous palate with a broad, rounded mouthfeel. Aromas of white flowers, ripe fruit and citrus are persistent, leading to a refined finish lifted by delicate acidity. Its balance and depth allow confident ageing over several years.

Food matching

A fine match for grilled fish, prawns, crayfish or lobster, and equally suitable with white meats in a creamy sauce or sweetbreads