At the end of autumn, the white wines are bottled and put together in stainless steel tanks: in this way they regain all their expression and fullness before being bottled at the beginning of the following year, after a light filtration that gives them freshness and shine.
The bottling date is always chosen after the moon. Story It all started in 1630 when Charles Ballot's maternal family bought their first vines. The actual domain saw the light of day at the beginning of the 18th century. More or less fragmented by the legacy of each generation, it has generally been preserved for more than two hundred years, growing from the vines of Charles' paternal grandmother and, more recently, those of his cousins.
After a year in the vineyards of New Zealand and California, Charles returned to Burgundy in 2000, rich in experience abroad. His father Philippe then confidently handed him the reins of the family business. The domaine produces 60,000 bottles a year in around twenty of the most prestigious appellations of the Côte de Beaune. It covers more than ten hectares: 8 hectares of white wines with Chardonnay grapes in the communes of Meursault and Chassagne Montrachet, 2 hectares of Pinot Noir in Pommard, Volnay and Beaune, to which half a hectare of Aligoté must be added.
The average age of the vines is 45 years. With respect for his exceptional heritage and a concern to protect the environment, Charles Ballot, who is sure to switch to organic farming in the near future, combines traditional family methods with modern viticulture and winemaking techniques. The vines are ploughed, chemical weeding is prohibited and treatments are sparse.
Don't abuse the soil, don't stress the vines, listen to it, these are its constant commands. Every new year is a questioning, a permanent adaptation to specific climatic conditions. It is this diversity of nature that sweeps away everyday life and makes the profession of winegrower fascinating. It forces the winemaker to be inspired by his artistic soul.
