Paul Pillot

Histoire du Domaine Paul Pillot

The history of Domaine Paul Pillot begins at the end of the 19th century with Jean-Baptiste Pillot, a cooper from Chassagne-Montrachet who decided to devote himself entirely to viticulture. This passion for the vine marks the beginning of a family saga passed down from generation to generation. After the First World War, his sons, Alphonse and Henri, expanded the estate's parcels and began bottling their own wines, laying the foundations of a growing reputation. In 1968, Paul Pillot, Henri's son, took over the reins and gave new impetus to the estate by acquiring prestigious parcels, including premiers crus in Chassagne-Montrachet and Saint-Aubin.

Since 2004, Thierry Pillot, joined by his sister Chrystelle in 2005, has represented the fourth generation at the helm of the estate. This complementary duo has succeeded in modernising practices while preserving the family heritage. Thierry, drawing on his experiences in South Africa and Australia, brings a contemporary vision to winemaking, while Chrystelle excels in the meticulous work of the vineyard. Together, they have propelled Domaine Paul Pillot among the rising stars of Burgundy, acclaimed by critics for the purity and elegance of its wines.

Terroirs et Vignes du Domaine Paul Pillot

Domaine Paul Pillot benefits from a privileged location in Chassagne-Montrachet, at the heart of the Côte de Beaune, between Puligny-Montrachet to the north and Santenay to the south. Its 13 hectares of vines, of which 9 hectares are planted with white varieties (primarily Chardonnay) and 4 hectares with reds (Pinot Noir), thrive on clay-limestone, stony or marly soils typical of this appellation. These terroirs, rich in limestone and clay, lend the wines a distinctive minerality and an ideal structure for producing great wines for ageing.

The estate farms parcels across several appellations, including Chassagne-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin and Santenay. Among its jewels, six premiers crus in Chassagne-Montrachet stand out: La Romanée, Les Grandes Ruchottes, Les Caillerets, La Grande Montagne, Champs Gains and Clos Saint-Jean. These climat, situated at varying altitudes, offer a diversity of flavour profiles, ranging from saline freshness to fleshy depth. The vines, some of which are over 75 years old, are cultivated according to principles close to organic farming, without certification. Soil work is prioritised, with careful ploughing to encourage deep rooting, and yields are rigorously controlled to ensure optimal ripeness of the grapes.

Vinifications du Domaine Paul Pillot

The philosophy of Domaine Paul Pillot rests on a minimalist and respectful approach, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Thierry Pillot, master of winemaking, favours minimal intervention to allow the terroir to express itself fully. The harvests, carried out by hand at full ripeness, preserve the integrity of the fruit. The grapes are delicately pressed, often without settling, to retain the fine lees that enrich the texture of the wines. No exogenous yeasts are used; fermentations take place with indigenous yeasts, ensuring maximum authenticity.

Ageing, lasting 12 to 18 months, takes place in French oak barrels, with a limited proportion of new wood (10 to 20%) to avoid masking the aromas of the terroir. Thierry has also introduced larger-capacity barrels (350 to 500 litres) for a gentler ageing, followed by six months in stainless steel vats before bottling. This method, without racking or lees stirring, gives the wines a remarkable tension and freshness. The reds, for their part, incorporate 20 to 60% whole-cluster grapes, adding complexity and structure, while remaining true to the elegance of Burgundian Pinot Noir.

Les Cuvées du Domaine Paul Pillot

Domaine Paul Pillot offers a range of 17 appellations, reflecting the richness and diversity of its terroirs. Here is a presentation of its principal cuvées:

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Romanée 

From a 0.49-hectare parcel planted 75 years ago, this cuvée embodies the finesse and minerality of Chassagne's upper slopes. Its floral notes and saline depth make it an exceptional wine for ageing.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Grandes Ruchottes 

Produced from 0.2 hectares of vines planted in 1997, this cuvée captivates with its richness and balance, with aromas of citrus and a chalky finish.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets 

Crafted from 60-year-old vines on stony soil, this cuvée offers a silky texture and notes of white fruit, ideal for lovers of complex whites.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Grande Montagne 

From 35-year-old vines on a limestone terroir, this wine stands out for its tension and purity, with vibrant mineral accents.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Champs Gains 

From 45-year-old vines on deep clay soils, this premier cru reveals a fleshy structure and aromas of ripe fruit.

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jean (Blanc et Rouge) 

This emblematic climat, of which the estate owns 1 hectare, produces whites of rare elegance and vibrant reds, marked by notes of red fruit and a beautiful tension.

Chassagne-Montrachet Village Blanc 

A blend of three 55-year-old parcels (Les Chaumes, Le Concis du Champs, Les Plantes Mornières), this wine offers a perfect balance between freshness and roundness.

Chassagne-Montrachet Village Rouge Vieilles Vignes 

From vines over 50 years old beneath the 1er Cru Les Morgeots, this Pinot Noir captivates with its finesse and notes of tart red fruits.

Chassagne-Montrachet Village Les Mazures 

Produced from a 25-year-old parcel, this white wine expresses floral aromas and a beautiful minerality, typical of clay-limestone soils.

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Charmois 

From a 50-year-old parcel, this cuvée offers airy and spicy notes, ideal for discovering the Saint-Aubin appellation.

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Pitangerets 

This wine, coming from 50-year-old vines, is characterised by its freshness and precision, with a marked mineral touch.

Santenay Village Rouge Vieilles Vignes 

Crafted from 40-year-old vines on the lieu-dit Prarons and Champs Claude, this Pinot Noir reveals a delightful generosity and delicate floral aromas.

Bourgogne Blanc 

From 35-year-old vines in Chassagne and Remigny, this Chardonnay offers a fine introduction to the estate's white wines, with fruity notes and a fresh finish.

Bourgogne Pinot Noir 

Vinified in part with whole clusters, this red wine captivates with its freshness and aromas of small red fruits, perfect for an accessible wine purchase.

Bourgogne Aligoté 

A lively and light cuvée, ideal for lovers of fresh and refreshing whites.

Domaine Paul Pillot is an essential address for Burgundy wine lovers in search of authentic and refined cuvées. Thanks to the expertise of Thierry and Chrystelle Pillot, each bottle reflects the richness of the terroirs of Chassagne-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin and Santenay. Explore our online wine selection now and let yourself be won over by Burgundian excellence at the best price!