Presentation
The Domaine Baudouin Millet, founded in the 1980s in Tonnerre, is the legacy of a bold reconversion, transforming cereal lands into a vineyard exclusively dedicated to Chardonnay. Unlike many domains in Chablis located further north, Baudouin Millet benefits from a slightly warmer climate, promoting a more complete maturity of the grapes. Its 16 hectares of vines, mostly in Petit Chablis and Chablis, are rooted in Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils, offering a beautiful mineral tension to the wines. Committed to sustainable viticulture, the domain practices meticulous soil work and controlled grassing to preserve biodiversity and limit erosion. The vinifications favor stainless steel to enhance the freshness and pure expression of the fruit, a choice that contrasts with more traditional domains that opt for wood aging. The result: crystalline, tense, and precise wines, with bright aromas of citrus and white flowers, distinguished by exceptional vivacity and clarity.
Location
Petit Chablis “La Perle” from Domaine Baudouin Millet comes from parcels located on the plateaus and outer slopes surrounding the Chablis vineyard, mainly to the north and northwest of the village. These slightly higher-altitude sites enjoy cooler temperatures and excellent air circulation, helping preserve the Chardonnay’s natural freshness. South and southeast exposures allow gradual ripening without excess. This geographic setting gives the wine an airy, vibrant profile, true to the spirit of expressive Petit Chablis wines.
Terroir
Petit Chablis soils are based on Portlandian limestone, younger and harder than the Kimmeridgian soils of central Chablis. These shallow, stony soils encourage quick root penetration and a very direct expression of the grape. Limestone brings tension and crispness, while naturally limiting yields. Chardonnay develops clean aromas of citrus, green apple, and white flowers. This terroir produces wines that are bright, mineral-driven, and refreshing, with clear aromatic precision.
In the vineyard
Domaine Baudouin Millet applies environmentally respectful viticulture across all its vineyards, including Petit Chablis parcels. Soils are mechanically worked without chemical herbicides to preserve soil life. Grass cover is managed to reduce erosion and promote biodiversity. Treatments are reasoned and adapted to each vintage’s conditions. Careful canopy management ensures balanced vines and healthy grapes. This sustainable approach guarantees fresh, expressive fruit and a faithful reflection of terroir.
Harvest
Harvesting is carried out at optimal ripeness, usually early, to preserve freshness and natural acidity. Depending on the parcel, grapes are picked by hand or machine, with careful sorting at the winery. Grapes are pressed quickly and gently to extract clean, aromatic juice. This precision during harvest ensures the purity and brightness that define the La Perle cuvée.
Winemaking
Vinification takes place entirely in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness and fruit clarity. Fermentations are conducted at low temperatures to highlight primary aromas
Ageing
The wine is aged on fine lees for several months without stirring, preserving linearity while adding subtle roundness. No oak ageing is used, allowing terroir and fruit to shine. The wine is lightly filtered before bottling.
Varietal
Chardonnay : 100%
Specifications
Age of vines : 35 years old
Serving
Serving temperature: 10–12°C
Ageing potential
2 to 3 years
Tasting
Petit Chablis La Perle reveals a bright pale yellow robe with green reflections. The initial nose is discreet, then opens up with mineral and fruity aromas. From the first sip, the wine expresses clarity, purity, and finesse, followed by a well-balanced combination of roundness and tension that unfolds with elegance.
Visual appearance
Bright pale yellow with green highlights
At nose
Discreet at first, then mineral and fruity aromas
On the palate
Precise and pure attack, followed by a harmonious interplay of volume and freshness, with a long, elegant finish
Food pairings
This Petit Chablis is ideal for fresh and creative pairings. It works beautifully with cucumber, green apple, and lime ceviche with a hint of ginger. It also pairs well with warm oysters gratinated with lemon sabayon, balancing richness with acidity. On the sweet side, try it with a lemon-basil granita or a white fruit salad with verbena syrup. A lively, modern wine perfect for refreshing, original combinations.
