FRANÇOIS CARILLON

BURGUNDY, FRANCE 2022

 

 

Why Buy: Why do we love the wines of François Carillon? We could count the ways for days, but over and above everything else this Montrachet master delivers exceptional quality white Burgundy at not-astronomical prices. Take the trio we bring you today, all from their terrific 2022 portfolio, including an exceptional Bourgogne Chardonnay for less than $50 a bottle, and a Clos du Vieux Château from a historic walled vineyard whose limestone-rich soils impart phenomenal depth and character. These are minimal-intervention wines of uncommon purity and craftsmanship that are built to sip in deepest contemplation or savor over the hours with friends.

 

 

Our Tasting Notes: If you’re a lover of balance and finesse, you’re going to fall hard for these. The Bourgogne Chardonnay captivates with crisp apple and citrus notes, underscored by a subtle minerality; it exudes charm, elegance, and poise. The Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain 2022 delivers an alluring and opulent blend of ripe stone fruit, white flowers, and a wonderful hint of oily, toasted almond — with a crystalline acidity that acts as counterpoint. The Puligny-Montrachet Clos du Vieux Château 2022 is the crown jewel: aromatically intense (you really need to take a moment to sit with this intoxicating weave of lemon curd, white peach, and crushed stones) and sumptuously elegant, with a finish that resounds like the last, lingering notes of a Debussy nocturne.

 

The Specs: All wines undergo traditional fermentation in small oak casks, with premiers crus seeing up to 25% new oak, masterfully integrated to enhance rather than overshadow the fruit.

 

The Story: If ever there were a label to entice you to get more serious about white wine, it’s François Carillon, one of Burgundy’s most elite producers. This is a family that has been growing grapes in Puligny-Montrachet since the 16th century — and that still plows largely by horse and tractor, still ferments its wines in small oak casks, and still insists upon minimal intervention in the cellar. The results speak for themselves, and full-throatedly at that. Whites are Carillon’s metier, and over the past decade he has earned a significant reputation for his commitment to traditional methods and striving for purity of expression. His 16 acres of vineyard, located principally in Puligny-Montrachet, are farmed in strict accordance with the lutte raisonée philosophy, which limits intervention at nearly all costs. Plowing is done largely by horse, all weed-killers are refused, and, to eliminate unwelcome vegetal intrusion in the wines, de-budding is rigorously pursued. In keeping with Burgundian tradition, fermentation occurs in small oak casks. All the wines in the portfolio are aged in Allier oak, around 10-15% new for the villages-level wines and up to 25% new for premiers crus.

 

What to Pair Them With: These wines shine brightest when paired with dishes that match their elegance. The Bourgogne Chardonnay is a perfect companion to a tarragon-roasted chicken. For the Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain, consider pan-seared scallops with a light lemon beurre blanc. The Clos du Vieux Château reaches its apogee alongside a buttery lobster pot pie, the wine's complexity playing beautifully against the rich, nuanced flavors of the dish.

Fun Fact: The earliest known record of the family in Puligny dates to 1520, and a viticulturist named Jehan Carillon.

Our Guarantee: As always, we only buy and ship directly from the estate, to ensure that your wines arrive with pristine provenance. Order yours today!

 
 

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024.