Importer Notes: When you start an evening with Louis Vallet, you don’t know when it’s going to end. This young winemaker is bursting with energy and enthusiasm for life, family, food, and, of course, wine. Charodon is an ambitious project spearheaded by Louis with the support of his brother Thibault and their father, Bernard. Situated outside of Beaune in Montagny-les-Beaune, this property represents a dynamic evolution from the Vallet family's roots in Gevrey-Chambertin, where Bernard Vallet is still a part-owner of the Pierre Bourrée estate.

Louis Vallet's journey into winemaking is marked by both local and global perspectives. He benefits from his family’s deep roots in the area, both in the land he will eventually inherit and in his connections to and knowledge of the region. Furthering his winemaking expertise, he gathered a wealth of experience under the guidance of two notable proponents of organic and biodynamic viticulture – Pascal Marchand of Domaine des Comte Armand, Domaine de la Vougeraie, and his own micro-negociant house; and Bernard Zito, who was responsible for the implementation of biodynamic viticulture at the Boisset group and Comte Liger Belair, among other projects. From this base of respect for the land and the vines, Louis’ work at Charodon began modestly in 2010, producing just 1,200 bottles in its inaugural vintage.

These wines reflect Louis’ personality. They are filled with upfront energy and fruit, while developing complexity and depth with time in the glass. Martine’s Wines president likens these wines to a delicious sauce – in the beginning it may seem straighforward, but as it simmers and gains character, the sauce becomes more than the sum of its parts. Louis’ offerings are characterized by their layered, fruit-driven, and generous nature. His is a winemaker who is renowned among insiders in Burgundy, and his will be a name to know going forward – Charodon is a house that promises an exciting future in the world of wine.
This is made in a mixture of barrel and tank to preserve the freshness of Saint-Aubin, particularly as this is a cool site.

This is its first vintage and it’s an impressive debut. There is plenty of juicy citrus and white stone fruit, with toasty spice towards the finish. A nice dry grip and touch of Saint Aubin coolness mark the finish. Drink 2024-2030.