Domaine Fernand & Laurent Pillot, Morgeot Rouge, 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

Pinot Noir vines pruned in Cordon de Royat cover 0.53 acres and were planted in 1953 and 1981. The vineyard lies on a gentle slope with a south‑east exposure. Clay-rich soils in the Morgeot climat contribute power, structure and ageing potential to the wine.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand‑picked, transported to the winery, destemmed and placed in tank. After a few days of cold maceration, alcoholic fermentation begins using traditional methods with regular cap punching, allowing fine temperature control and steady extraction of colour and tannin.

Tasting Note

The wine is rich and generous, showing concentrated tannins and clear red fruit expression. With bottle age it develops cherry aromas and a round, complex structure, gaining silkiness and depth over time. It rewards patience, revealing the quality of its terroir after several years in bottle.

Food matching

Best suited to game birds, coq au vin and full‑flavoured soft cheeses, where its richness and tannic structure complement hearty, savoury dishes.