Domaine Fernand & Laurent Pillot, Chassagne Montrachet Blanc, 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

Chardonnay vines pruned in simple Guyot cover 4.57 acres, planted between 1987 and 2013. Five parcels on predominantly limestone soils contribute to the blend, with the principal sites, La Bergerie and Le Chêne, located close to the village, lending both finesse and typicity

Winemaking

Grapes are harvested by hand and gently pressed before fermentation in French oak barrels. The wine is then matured in barrel until the following summer, allowing time for structure and aromatics to fully integrate before bottling at the winery after 11–12 months.

Tasting Note

The wine is harmonious and rounded, with a warm, generous body. Aromas of white fruits are complemented by finely integrated oak, giving balance and elegance. It shows depth without heaviness and has the structure to age gracefully for several years.

Food matching

Excellent with fish, scallops and crustaceans, or served young as an aperitif. It also pairs well with cheese at the end of a meal.