Surnames tend to recur across wineries in Burgundy – it’s hardly surprising, as French inheritance laws do have a habit of fracturing family-owned domaines. In the village of Chassagne-Montrachet there is more than one domaine bearing the name Pillot, but they share a common ancestor.
So who is Jean-Marc Pillot? He marks the fourth generation of his branch of the Pillots to farm in Chassagne-Montrachet. He learned his craft at his father’s side in the winery and the vineyards, while at the same time training as an oenologist. In the thirty years since he took over full control here, he has transformed the domaine, rebuilding the facilities, expanding the vineyards, and changing the vinification and elevage regimes. Years of work and investment are reaping rewards; under Jean-Marc’s guiding hand, the wines have been improving by leaps and bounds. They now strike a fine balance between richness and a more mineral, steely style; power meets elegance. (NT 01/12/19)