Francois Carillon
Summary
François Carillon, representing the 16th generation of a historic winemaking family, operates a 15-hectare estate across Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Saint-Aubin, focusing primarily on Chardonnay from limestone-clay soils with vines averaging 40 years. His traditional approach includes hand-harvesting, natural fermentation in French oak, complete malolactic fermentation, and lees aging with bâtonnage, maintaining methods that honor centuries of accumulated family knowledge while allowing each vineyard's distinct terroir to express itself clearly.
Heritage & Leadership
François Carillon established his eponymous domaine in 2010, following the division of his family's historic Domaine Louis Carillon between François and his brother Jacques. The Carillon family's viticultural history in Puligny-Montrachet stretches back to the 16th century, with documented vineyard ownership since the early 1700s. François represents the 16th generation of this winemaking family, inheriting not only vineyard parcels but also generations of accumulated knowledge about the terroirs of Puligny-Montrachet.
The domaine operates from its headquarters in Puligny-Montrachet, with François serving as both proprietor and winemaker. He personally oversees all aspects of production, from vineyard management to bottling. The transition from the family domaine to his independent operation marked a significant milestone in the Carillon family history, allowing François to develop his own distinct approach while maintaining the fundamental principles that have guided the family's winemaking for centuries.
Vineyards & Wines
François Carillon manages approximately 15 hectares of vineyards spread across Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Saint-Aubin. His holdings include several Premier Cru parcels in Puligny-Montrachet: Les Champs Gain, Les Combettes, Les Folatières, and Les Perrières. In Chassagne-Montrachet, the domaine owns plots in Les Macherelles Premier Cru. The portfolio also includes village-level vineyards in both appellations and regional Bourgogne sites.
The vineyards feature the classic limestone-clay soils of the Côte de Beaune, with variations in the limestone-to-clay ratio depending on the specific site. Vines average 40 years of age, with some parcels containing plants over 70 years old. Chardonnay dominates the plantings, comprising approximately 95% of the total vineyard area, with a small amount of Pinot Noir making up the remainder. The vineyards sit at elevations between 230 and 300 meters, with most parcels enjoying favorable east and southeast exposures that maximize sun exposure while maintaining the cooling influence necessary for balanced ripening.
Philosophy & Practice
François Carillon employs traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques, beginning with hand-harvesting of all vineyard parcels. In the cellar, whole-cluster pressing is utilized for the white wines, followed by settling of the juice for 12-24 hours before transfer to barrels. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts in French oak barrels, with new oak usage varying from 10% for village wines to 25-30% for Premier Crus.
The white wines undergo complete malolactic fermentation and age on their lees for 11-12 months. Regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) is practiced during the first months of aging, with the frequency adjusted according to the character of each vintage. Before bottling, the wines are assembled in stainless steel tanks for 1-2 months to integrate and settle naturally, with minimal filtration applied only when necessary.
In the vineyards, François practices sustainable viticulture with meticulous attention to soil health. Cover crops are planted between rows to control erosion and promote biodiversity, while careful canopy management ensures optimal ripening conditions. Pruning and yield control are tailored to each individual parcel, reflecting François' detailed knowledge of his vineyards and his commitment to expressing the distinct character of each terroir through his wines.