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
Domaine Baudouin Millet’s Chablis “Les Villages” comes from several parcels located around the village of Chablis, on well-exposed slopes facing southeast to southwest. The vines enjoy a temperate continental climate with strong diurnal temperature shifts, promoting slow and even ripening. Most plots are planted mid-slope, benefiting from natural drainage and optimal sun exposure throughout the growing season. These conditions result in classic, balanced Chardonnay with freshness, fruit, and the hallmark minerality of the appellation.
Terroir
The soils are dominated by Kimmeridgian marl—clay-limestone rich in marine fossils like exogyra and ammonites—an iconic feature of Chablis terroir. This geological structure lends the wine its distinctive saline and chalky minerality. Deep, well-drained soils promote strong root systems and concentrated, balanced grapes. The result is a wine with sharp tension, clarity, and aromatic purity. This terroir-driven style captures the essence of a true Chablis: vibrant, clean, and mineral.
In the vineyard
The domaine applies sustainable, eco-conscious farming practices. No chemical herbicides are used; soils are mechanically worked, and natural grass cover helps prevent erosion and support biodiversity. Treatments are minimal and adapted to each vintage’s conditions. Vineyard work is primarily manual, including pruning, canopy management, and leaf removal. This attention to balance in the vineyard promotes healthy fruit, clean soils, and a true reflection of terroir in every bottle.
Harvest
Grapes are harvested at optimum ripeness, with a focus on balancing aromatic maturity and acidity. Depending on the plot, harvesting is done by hand or machine, with careful sorting at reception. Grapes are gently and directly pressed in fractions to extract only the clearest juice. This meticulous approach at harvest preserves purity and tension—key to the identity of Chablis village wines. Respecting the fruit from the outset ensures precision and elegance in the final wine.
Winemaking
This Chablis, made from 100% Chardonnay, undergoes traditional vinification on fine lees in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.
Ageing
Alcoholic fermentation is slow, followed by 10 to 12 months of ageing on fine lees without excessive stirring. No oak is used, allowing the terroir to speak clearly. The wine is lightly filtered before bottling, with no fining. This minimal-intervention approach results in a linear, mineral, and expressive Chablis that is faithful to its origin.
Varietal
Chardonnay : 100%
Specifications
Age of vines : 35 years old
Serving
Serving temperature: 10–12°C
Ageing potential
3 to 5 years
Tasting
This Chablis features a beautiful crystalline pale gold hue with green highlights. The nose is elegant, combining minerality with floral scents and subtle fruit. The palate is silky, generous, and tense, offering finely sculpted notes. The wine is both juicy and impactful, showcasing the precision of its terroir.
Visual appearance
Crystalline pale gold with green reflections
At nose
Mineral and floral character with discreet fruit
On the palate
Silky and vibrant, generous texture with fine, chiselled notes and a juicy, dynamic finish
Food pairings
This Chablis pairs beautifully with fresh, seasonal, and creative dishes. Try it with golden beet carpaccio and smoked ricotta with lemon zest—it highlights the wine’s brightness. It also shines alongside steamed cod with white asparagus and a preserved lemon emulsion, enhancing its mineral profile. For dessert, it surprises with a white peach and rosemary tartlet, where its crisp acidity lifts the fruit’s sweetness. A refined, versatile white that works from aperitif to table with originality.
