Domaine Paul Pillot / Maison Thierry Pillot
Chassagne Montrachet
A name that makes connoisseurs' eyes light up: Paul Pillot represents the quiet revolution in the southern Côte de Beaune. Anyone familiar with his wines knows that the highest level of craftsmanship is employed here – precise, purist, with a courage to embrace understated elegance.
Domaine Paul Pillot was founded in 1900 and is now one of the most distinguished producers in Chassagne-Montrachet. Since 2004, Paul's son, Thierry Pillot, has been at the helm of the estate, and under his leadership, the style of the wines has been radically refined. Away from the baroque oak influences of past years, towards brilliant, saline transparency. Thierry Pillot practices organic viticulture – without certification, but with conviction. His wines ferment with natural yeasts, are unfiltered, and age for up to 18 months on the lees, mostly in used oak barrels.
Renowned critics like Neal Martin (Vinous) rave about the "crystal-clear, focused expression" of his wines. British Master of Wine Jasper Morris considers him one of the "greatest talents of his generation." Despite the hype, Thierry Pillot always seems reserved, almost shy – like someone who prefers to let his wines speak for themselves.
“I don’t want to make loud wines. I want them to whisper in your ear—not shout in your face.” – Thierry Pillot (Interview with Le Rouge & le Blanc, 2018)
His best vineyards—Clos Saint-Jean, Les Caillerets, La Romanée—produce some of Burgundy’s most elegant white wines. They are sought-after rarities and a masterclass in balance. Those who are patient will be rewarded—and those who are lucky will get a bottle.
