Jean Chartron
Summary
Jean Chartron is a five-generation family estate managing 14 hectares of prime vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet, focusing primarily on Chardonnay from limestone-clay soils at 230-300 meters elevation with eastern exposures. Their traditional approach combines whole-cluster pressing and barrel fermentation with regular bâtonnage for whites, while maintaining historic monopole vineyards and emphasizing hand harvesting to preserve authentic terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Jean Chartron traces its origins to 1859 when Jean-Édouard Dupard, then mayor of Puligny-Montrachet, established the domaine. The family's influence in the region was significant enough that in 1879, Dupard successfully petitioned for the village to add "Montrachet" to its name, officially becoming Puligny-Montrachet. The estate has remained in family hands for five generations, with Jean-Michel Chartron currently directing operations alongside his sister Anne-Laure Chartron.
The domaine experienced a pivotal transition in the 1980s when Jean-René Chartron expanded their vineyard holdings and modernized winemaking facilities. Under current leadership, Jean-Michel has maintained the family's focus on their historic Puligny-Montrachet parcels while strengthening their presence in neighboring appellations. The Chartron family maintains ownership of several historic monopole vineyards, including Clos du Cailleret and Clos de la Pucelle in Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Jean Chartron manages approximately 14 hectares of vineyards primarily concentrated in Puligny-Montrachet. Their holdings include parcels in the Grand Cru Chevalier-Montrachet and Bâtard-Montrachet vineyards, as well as several Premier Cru sites in Puligny-Montrachet including Clos de la Pucelle, Clos du Cailleret, and Folatières. The domaine also cultivates vineyards in Chassagne-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin, and Rully.
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. Chardonnay dominates their plantings, comprising approximately 80% of their production, with Pinot Noir accounting for the remainder. Vine age varies across their holdings, with some parcels containing vines over 50 years old, particularly in their Premier Cru sites. The vineyards sit at elevations between 230-300 meters, with many plots enjoying eastern exposures that capture morning sunlight.
Philosophy & Practice
Jean Chartron adheres to traditional Burgundian winemaking methods while incorporating modern techniques where beneficial. Their white wines undergo whole-cluster pressing followed by settling for 12-24 hours before fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in oak barrels for Premier and Grand Cru wines, with approximately 25% new oak used for Premier Crus and up to 40% for Grand Crus. The wines typically age on their lees for 11-12 months with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) during the first months to develop complexity and texture.
For red wines, the domaine practices partial destemming, with the percentage varying according to vintage conditions. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled tanks with gentle extraction methods to preserve fruit purity. Aging takes place in French oak barrels for 12-15 months, with new oak percentages similar to their white wine program.
The domaine maintains a philosophy of minimal intervention in both vineyard and cellar, focusing on expressing the distinct terroirs of their holdings. Harvest is conducted by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. Jean-Michel Chartron emphasizes the importance of harvest timing, often picking slightly earlier than neighboring estates to preserve acidity and freshness in their wines.