J. M. Boillot
Summary
J.M. Boillot is a family-owned Burgundian estate spanning 10 hectares across Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, and Pommard, producing terroir-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from limestone-clay soils of the Côte de Beaune. Their winemaking balances traditional methods with selective modern techniques, maintaining a classic Burgundian approach through whole-cluster pressing for whites and partial destemming for reds, with oak aging carefully calibrated to each wine's classification.
Heritage & Leadership
Jean-Marc Boillot established his eponymous domaine in 1985, following his departure from the family business, Domaine Henri Boillot. His winemaking heritage runs deep in Burgundy—he is the grandson of Etienne Sauzet, a significant figure in Puligny-Montrachet's viticultural history. Based in Pommard, the domaine represents Jean-Marc's personal vision after spending years working within the family enterprise.
The transition to the next generation is well underway at Domaine J.M. Boillot. Jean-Marc's daughter Lydie and her husband François Alzingre now handle much of the day-to-day operations, bringing continuity to the family business while gradually implementing their own perspective. This generational handover maintains the domaine's family-centered approach to winemaking that has defined it since its founding.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine J.M. Boillot encompasses approximately 10 hectares of vineyards spread across several key appellations in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. The holdings include parcels in Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, and Pommard, allowing the domaine to produce both white and red wines that express the distinct terroirs of these villages.
The white wine portfolio centers on Chardonnay, with notable Premier Cru parcels in Puligny-Montrachet including Les Combettes, Les Referts, and Les Champs-Canet. These vineyards feature the classic limestone-clay soils that contribute to the structured, mineral-driven character of the wines. The red wine production focuses on Pinot Noir from Volnay and Pommard, where the varying soil compositions yield wines of different structural profiles. The domaine also produces Bourgogne-level wines that serve as an introduction to their winemaking style.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at J.M. Boillot balances traditional Burgundian methods with practical modern techniques. For white wines, whole-cluster pressing preserves freshness and purity, followed by barrel fermentation that adds textural complexity. Red wine production typically involves partial destemming and a period of cold maceration to extract color and flavor while maintaining elegance.
Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with the percentage of new oak carefully calibrated according to the wine's classification and the character of the vintage. Premier Cru wines generally see a higher proportion of new oak than village-level bottlings. Throughout the winemaking process, the focus remains on expressing the distinctive characteristics of each vineyard site while maintaining precision and balance. The domaine's approach reflects Jean-Marc's extensive experience in Burgundy's vineyards and cellars, now complemented by the next generation's commitment to quality.