2021 Domaine Ballot-Millot Volnay 1er Cru Santenots

Located in Meursault. A beautiful family estate where generations have succeeded each other since the 17th century. Today, Charles Ballot is at the helm. The young Charles Ballot took over the domaine from his father Philippe in 2000. His estate consists of approximately 30 hectares. Mainly Chardonnay from the best terroirs from Meursault and Chassagne Montrachtet, but also Pinot Noir from Pommard, Volnay and Chassagne. Charles Ballot is now one of the absolute top in his region. Tradition and innovation are the key words here. Charles respects 'terroir', prunes for lower yields and cherishes his old vines. He also invests in modern techniques and materials to ensure the very best quality. He works according to traditional culture such as complete fermentation in wood and low yields. In the wine cellar he opts for a soft, slow pressing and a slow vinification. All his wines undergo complete fermentation and mature in oak for 12 months. For the most part he uses old barrels of 1 or 2 years. The road to fully organic cultivation has now been started.

The pretty village of Volnay, located just south of Beaune in the Côte de Beaune, is home to quite a few top producers. The wine made here is red based on Pinot Noir. There are no Grands Crus, but there are 30 Premiers Crus that usually mention the name of the vineyard on the label. The 1er Cru Santenots from Ballot Milllot & Fils comes from only half a hectare of vines, so there are only a few hundred of this winner. Beautiful ruby red in the glass with aromas of red berries, rose petals, earthy herbs and sunshine in the nose and mouth. On the palate the wine is soft with robust tannins and an elegant roundness. This Volnay Santenots Premier Cru can age very nicely, but due to the very balanced tannins it already tastes delicious. Excellent with dishes based on red meat or game. Also perfect with different types of aged cheeses.