Jacques Carillon
Summary
Jacques Carillon operates a 5.5-hectare domaine in Puligny-Montrachet, crafting precise Chardonnay wines from limestone-clay soils across village and premier cru vineyards, including Les Perrières, Les Champs Canet, and Les Referts. His traditional Burgundian approach features extended aging—11-12 months in French oak followed by 6 months in stainless steel—and minimal intervention techniques that honor his family's winemaking legacy dating back to the 16th century.
Heritage & Leadership
Jacques Carillon established his eponymous domaine in 2010 following the division of his family's historic estate, Domaine Louis Carillon et Fils, between Jacques and his brother François. The Carillon family's roots in Puligny-Montrachet stretch back to the 16th century, with documented vineyard ownership since the 1700s. The family domaine gained prominence under Jacques' father Louis Carillon, who managed the estate from the 1960s until his retirement.
Jacques worked alongside his father for decades before taking control of his portion of the family holdings. The 2010 division was amicable, with each brother receiving approximately half of the family vineyards. Jacques continues to work from the family's historic cellars in Puligny-Montrachet, maintaining the winemaking traditions established over generations while implementing subtle refinements to his approach.
Vineyards & Wines
Jacques Carillon's domaine encompasses approximately 5.5 hectares of vineyards, primarily located in Puligny-Montrachet. His holdings include parcels in several premier cru vineyards: Les Perrières, Les Champs Canet, and Les Referts. He also maintains plots in the villages-level appellations of Puligny-Montrachet and Saint-Aubin.
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. In the premier cru vineyards, particularly Les Perrières, the soils contain a higher proportion of limestone and small stones, contributing to the mineral character of the wines. The vines average 35-40 years of age, with some parcels containing vines over 60 years old.
The domaine focuses almost exclusively on Chardonnay, producing approximately 2,000 cases annually across the range. The wines include a Bourgogne Blanc, Saint-Aubin, Puligny-Montrachet village, and the three premier cru Puligny-Montrachets.
Philosophy & Practice
Jacques Carillon adheres to traditional Burgundian winemaking methods while incorporating modern precision. In the vineyards, he practices sustainable viticulture with meticulous canopy management and careful yield control. Harvest is conducted by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery.
The winemaking process begins with gentle pressing of whole clusters, followed by settling of the juice for 12-24 hours. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, with approximately 20% new oak for village wines and up to 30% for premier crus. Jacques uses native yeasts for fermentation whenever possible. The wines undergo complete malolactic fermentation and age on their lees for 11-12 months.
After barrel aging, the wines are racked to stainless steel tanks for an additional 6 months of clarification before bottling without fining and with only light filtration when necessary. This extended aging period, longer than many producers in the region, contributes to the stability and aging potential of the wines. Jacques' approach emphasizes purity, precision, and the clear expression of each vineyard's terroir.