Château de Charodon

Montagny-lès-Beaune

Burgundian born Louis Vallet is the third generation of passionate Gevrey Chambertin based winemakers. He learned his craft from people like Pascal Marchand and a tasting of Château de Charodon wines reveals some of their visionary ideas which include an early move towards biodynamic and organic growing practices and developing key fermage arrangements with the owners of some of Burgundies best vineyards. Early in his career Louis worked in many different regions throughout the globe including a seven year winemaking stint in Chile. These experiences opened his mind to new possibilities and he became a keen observer of nature, shared ideas with colleagues and became willing to take risks and experiment. It was through this process that he refined his approach to making wine.

Once relocated back in Burgundy Louis paved his own way, moving his micro-négociant house to Chateau de Charodon in Montagny-les-Beaune. A ten minute drive from the center of Beaune, this is the site of his historical home going back to the middle-ages, one that was passed down through his mother’s ancestors. He is working in a grass roots fashion: expanding and renovating his ancient cellars bit by bit each year as he continues to expand his range of wines both through the discovery of new parcels and through inherited family holdings. It is an exciting venture and Louis’ good humor, openness and energy are a pleasure to behold. The very limited wines of Chateau de Charodon are much like the winemaker himself: unique, expressive, and charming, they are quintessential Burgundy.