Ballot Millot
Summary
Ballot Millot is a multi-generational family estate in Meursault led by Charles Ballot, cultivating premier cru vineyards across the limestone and clay soils of Côte de Beaune with a primary focus on Chardonnay. Under Charles' direction since the early 2000s, the domaine has refined its approach by reducing new oak usage while maintaining traditional Burgundian techniques, allowing for clearer terroir expression that has elevated the estate's reputation among Burgundy collectors.
Heritage & Leadership
Ballot Millot is a family-owned wine estate based in Meursault, Burgundy. The domaine represents a multi-generational winemaking tradition in one of Burgundy's most distinguished white wine appellations. The estate is currently under the direction of Charles Ballot, who reportedly succeeded his father Philippe Ballot in the early 2000s, though the exact transition date requires verification. This transition in leadership marked a continuation of the family's commitment to their terroir-focused winemaking approach in the Côte de Beaune.
Vineyards & Wines
Ballot Millot's vineyard holdings are concentrated primarily in Meursault, with notable parcels in several premier cru sites including Perrières, Genevrières, and Charmes. The domaine reportedly has extended its presence beyond Meursault, with additional vineyard holdings believed to include Chassagne-Montrachet and Pommard, though these specific holdings require verification. These vineyards feature the limestone and clay soils characteristic of the Côte de Beaune region, providing the mineral foundation that defines their wines.
The estate produces both white and red wines typical of Burgundy's traditions. Their white wines, made from Chardonnay, form the majority of their production and have established the domaine's reputation. These Meursault wines display the appellation's characteristic richness while maintaining mineral precision. Their red wines, produced from Pinot Noir grown in their Pommard vineyards and other sites, exhibit the typical red fruit character and structure associated with Côte de Beaune reds.
Philosophy & Practice
Under Charles Ballot's guidance, the domaine employs traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques while focusing on expressing the distinct character of each vineyard site. The winemaking approach has reportedly evolved to include a reduction in new oak usage, which would allow for clearer expression of terroir in the finished wines, though specific evidence of this change in practice requires verification. For their white wines, Ballot Millot utilizes barrel fermentation and aging methods consistent with classic Meursault production practices.
The combination of respected vineyard sites, particularly their premier cru parcels, and thoughtful winemaking has positioned Ballot Millot as a producer of wines that faithfully represent the distinctive qualities of Meursault and their other appellations.