Domaine François Carillon

He now has his own eponymous domaine, Domaine François Carillon. François began working with his father Louis Carillon in 1988. Fascinated, from the outset, by the vines and their environment, the vineyard became François’ main focus and remains paramount today, providing optimal ingredients in the cellar. A viticulturalist of the highest quality, he believes passionately that the quality of wine is determined in the vineyard – music to our ears.

The 6.5 hectares currently in production are farmed to lutte integrée principles; that is organically, but with the option to treat the vines if the circumstances demand it. No weed-killers are used, just ploughing, either by horse or tractor, and a mushroom-based top-dressing. Production is controlled from the outset with a strict pruning regime, followed by de-budding, the vines trained to optimise photosynthesis. The small, dedicated, dynamic team is driven by respect for the vineyard. The estate currently spans Chassagne-Montrachet Premiers Crus, Puligny Premiers Crus Village Puligny Montrachet and generic Bourgogne. François dismisses his work in the cellar as “traditional” – it’s impeccable, the use of oak perfectly balanced.