Precision and Balance from Domaine François Carillon

Domaine François Carillon came to life in 2010, after Louis Carillon retired and divided his Puligny-Montrachet vineyards between his sons Jacques and François. Just like 14 generations of Carillons before him, the patriarch had been at the helm of the estate for his whole life.

François, who had worked at his family’s property since 1988, hence inherited 6.5 hectares of vines, most of them sprinkled around prime sites of Premier Crus and Village Puligny-Montrachet. He went on to carry his father’s legacy, becoming, on his own, one of Puligny-Montrachet’s most distinctive winemakers.

François Carillon has relentlessly pursued a style where precision and balance override the need for boldness and power. His use of new oak (never more than 15% even on the top cuvées) never supersedes the freshness and minerality of these racy wines.

There isn’t a better introduction to Carillon’s Puligny-Montrachet lineup than his Bourgogne Chardonnay 2020, which offers the hallmarks of François’ signature in the most approachable way imaginable. Made with grapes grown on parcels right outside the Village AOC, it is a perfect summer wine, bright and mouth-watering.

The Puligny-Montrachet Village 2019 shows more texture and density, with enticing citrus and apple aromas that give way to a steely, stony and clean finish.

Les Enseignères 2020 is a lieu-dit sitting just across the Grand Cru Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet. This prime location certainly explains why this Village-level wine punches way above its weight, rivaling Carillon’s Premier Crus in terms of depth and finesse.

The 3 Premiers Crus from 2019 offered here show the quintessence of Puligny-Montrachet. Elusive and more nuanced than its neighbors, Les Folatières displays remarkable length and elegance. Les Perrières is vibrant with mineral tension and energy, while the Champ Gain offers the perfect balance between ripeness, minerality and depth.

Spring is here, summer is near… don’t pass on this opportunity to stock your cellars with François Carillon’s sought-after Puligny-Montrachets.