Domaine de Montille
Key French Terms
One of Burgundy's most revered estates, farming 35 hectares across 20 appellations with biodynamic precision and a ninth-generation commitment to terroir.
Domaine de Montille is a landmark Burgundy estate with 35 hectares spread across 20 appellations in the Côte d'Or. Founded in the 1730s, the estate was rebuilt from 2.5 hectares by Hubert de Montille starting in 1947 and is now run by siblings Étienne and Alix de Montille. Biodynamic and organically certified since 2012, it is recognized for traditional, low-intervention winemaking.
- Founded in the 1730s; Hubert de Montille rebuilt the estate from 2.5 hectares after taking over in 1947
- 35 hectares total, with 20 hectares in Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards across 20 appellations
- Converted to organic farming in 1995, biodynamic principles in 2005, and received official organic certification in 2012
- Whole-cluster fermentation with long macerations of 12 to 16 days is standard practice
- New oak capped at a maximum of 25 percent across all wines
- Château de Puligny-Montrachet acquired in 2012 and merged into Domaine de Montille in 2017
- Sister négociant Maison de Montille (formerly Deux Montilles) was founded in 2003
History and Family Legacy
Domaine de Montille traces its roots to the 1730s, making it one of Burgundy's longest-established family estates. The pivotal modern chapter began in 1947, when Hubert de Montille took over a property of just 2.5 hectares and methodically rebuilt it into a major Côte d'Or holding. The estate is now in the hands of the ninth generation, siblings Étienne and Alix de Montille. Étienne has held the role of senior winemaker since 1995, overseeing a period of dramatic growth and the estate's transition to certified organic and biodynamic viticulture.
- Founded in the 1730s, one of Burgundy's oldest continuously operated family estates
- Hubert de Montille took over in 1947 with just 2.5 hectares and expanded steadily
- Étienne de Montille has led winemaking since 1995; now co-runs the estate with sister Alix
- Château de Puligny-Montrachet was acquired in 2012 and fully merged into the domaine in 2017
Viticulture and Farming Philosophy
Sustainability and minimal intervention in the vineyard define Domaine de Montille's approach. The shift to organic farming began in 1995, biodynamic principles were adopted in 2005, and official organic certification was achieved in 2012. The estate farms 35 hectares across a continental climate, growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in appellations spanning both the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. An impressive 75 percent of holdings sit in Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards, reflecting the family's long-term commitment to the finest terroirs of the Côte d'Or.
- Organic farming adopted 1995, biodynamic principles from 2005, certified organic in 2012
- 35 hectares farmed across 20 appellations in the Côte d'Or
- 75 percent of holdings are classified Premier Cru or Grand Cru
- Both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown across Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits
Winemaking Approach
Domaine de Montille is synonymous with a traditional, terroir-first winemaking style. Whole-cluster fermentation is practiced routinely, with macerations running 12 to 16 days to build structure and complexity. New oak is deliberately restrained, kept to a maximum of 25 percent, ensuring the fruit and site character remain at the forefront. The resulting wines are known for low alcohol, high tannin, and an austere quality in youth that gives way to exceptional finesse and elegance with age.
- Whole-cluster fermentation is standard, with macerations lasting 12 to 16 days
- New oak use is capped at 25 percent to preserve terroir expression
- Wines are characteristically low in alcohol with firm tannins and a need for cellaring
- Style described as traditional, austere in youth, with finesse and elegance over time
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Look it up →Maison de Montille and Expansion
Beyond the domaine itself, the family operates Maison de Montille, a small négociant business founded in 2003 under the name Deux Montilles. This sister company allows the family to source and vinify wines from appellations not covered by their own vineyard holdings. Separately, the 2012 acquisition of Château de Puligny-Montrachet significantly expanded the estate's white wine profile; the château was fully absorbed into Domaine de Montille in 2017, broadening access to Puligny-Montrachet appellation fruit.
- Maison de Montille (formerly Deux Montilles) founded in 2003 as a petit négociant
- Allows sourcing from appellations outside the domaine's own vineyard portfolio
- Château de Puligny-Montrachet acquired 2012, merged into the domaine in 2017
- Holdings now span appellations including Volnay, Pommard, and Puligny-Montrachet
Domaine de Montille reds lead with firm, structured tannins, red and dark cherry fruit, earthy complexity, and a mineral backbone that requires years of cellaring to fully integrate. The whites show precision and tension, with citrus, stone fruit, and a taut, mineral-driven finish. Both styles prioritize site expression over oak or ripeness.
- Maison de Montille Bourgogne Rouge$25-35Entry-level Pinot Noir from the négociant arm showcasing the de Montille house style at an accessible price.Find →
- Domaine de Montille Volnay Premier Cru Les Taillepieds$80-110Benchmark Volnay Premier Cru with firm structure, red fruit, and the estate's signature mineral precision.Find →
- Domaine de Montille Pommard Premier Cru Les Rugiens$130-180Structured, age-worthy Pommard Premier Cru demonstrating whole-cluster winemaking and restrained oak.Find →
- Domaine de Montille Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Le Cailleret$150-200Taut, mineral Chardonnay from a top Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru, gained via the 2012 château acquisition.Find →
- Founded 1730s; Hubert de Montille rebuilt from 2.5 ha after 1947; now 35 ha across 20 appellations
- 75 percent of holdings classified Premier Cru or Grand Cru in the Côte d'Or
- Organic certification achieved 2012; biodynamic principles adopted 2005
- Whole-cluster fermentation with 12 to 16 day macerations; maximum 25 percent new oak
- Maison de Montille (négociant, est. 2003) and Château de Puligny-Montrachet (acq. 2012, merged 2017) are key related entities