2024 Domaine Ballot Millot Beaune 1er Cru Epenottes

Domaine Ballot-Millot: tradition and modern finesse

Located in Meursault, Domaine Ballot-Millot is one of the region's most respected wineries. Its family history dates back to the 17th century, and today Charles Ballot leads the estate with a clear vision. He combines traditional Burgundian viticulture with modern insights, prioritizing terroir and precision. The vineyards are farmed sustainably, yields are kept low, and the cellar work focuses on purity and elegance.

The estate produces both white and red wines, with a consistently refined and balanced style. For the reds, including these Beaune Épenottes, the emphasis is on pure Pinot Noir fruit, smooth extraction, and subtle oak aging that adds structure without masking the fruit.

The Beaune 1er Cru Épenottes vineyard

The Premier Cru Épenottes is located just south of Beaune, on the border with Pommard. The terroir is unique: a thin layer of calcareous clay overlying rock and gravel, creating a perfect balance between ripeness and freshness. Its location on gentle southeast-facing slopes guarantees optimal sunlight and ventilation. This results in Pinot Noir with bright fruit, elegant tannins, and a lively structure.

The vines in Épenottes are of respectable age, which contributes to their concentration and complexity. The microclimate allows for early ripening, which offers additional advantages in cooler years. The wines from this terroir are often more refined than those from nearby Pommard, with a softer texture and more red fruit notes.

The wine 2023 Domaine Ballot-Millot Beaune 1er Cru Épenottes

The 2023 vintage is a wine that combines pure finesse and classic Beaune structure. The grapes were hand-picked and rigorously selected. Fermentation took place in open vats with gentle pigeage to preserve the elegance of the Pinot Noir. This was followed by aging for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels, only a small portion of which were new.

The result is a wine that fully captures the charm of the Épenottes. It opens with aromas of red cherries, raspberries, violets, and a subtle hint of spice. On the palate, it is juicy and precise, with fine tannins and a beautiful balance between fruit and acidity. The finish is long and clean, with a slightly mineral note.

Color, smell and taste

The color is ruby red with a bright sparkle. The aroma reveals red fruit, a hint of forest floor, and light spices. The fruit returns on the palate, complemented by elegant tannins and a silky texture. The use of oak is discreet, allowing the wine to retain its freshness and refinement. This 2023 vintage is already tempting, but has sufficient backbone to develop further in the coming years.

Serving tips and storage potential

Serve this wine at around 16 degrees Celsius. It pairs beautifully with light meat dishes and poultry. Although it already has considerable charm when young, it will continue to evolve and develop additional depth between 2026 and 2035. After a few years of bottle aging, the aromas become more complex, with notes of dried fruit, leather, and truffle.

Would you like to order wines from Domaine Ballot-Millot online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Coq au vin – the juiciness and spiciness of the wine perfectly complement this classic French dish.
• Rack of lamb with rosemary and roasted vegetables – the spicy notes of the meat enhance the earthy depth of the wine.
• Guinea fowl with morels and cream sauce – the creamy texture and subtle mushroom aromas form a harmonious match.
• Mushroom and Parmesan risotto – the soft tannins and red fruit provide a lovely contrast to the savoury flavours.
• Veal tenderloin with balsamic jus – the elegant fruit and fine acidity of the wine bring balance to this rich dish.