Based in the Cote de Beaune, Ballot-Millot produces 60,000 bottles a year from 10 hectares of parcels across Meursault, Chassagne Montrachet, Pommard, Volnay and Beaune. The family first acquired vines in 1630 however the marriage of Charles’s parents brought together some more exceptional Premier Cru plots, namely Perrières and Genevrières.
Charles Ballot, 17th generation winemaker, took over the domaine from his father Phillipe in 2000 after having spent time learning in the vineyards of New Zealand and California. The domaine works organically and follows the principles of lutte raisonee and Charles aims to produce pure and balanced white wines, and charming yet powerful red wines – both of which beautifully express their unique terroirs. In the cellar, Charles uses minimal new oak – around 25% for the Premier Crus and 10% for the Villages level wines – and also follows the lunar cycle for when the wines are bottled. Everything is done here to encourage finesse and terroir expression of the wines which represent excellent value.