Burgundy may be steeped in history, but it’s anything but stagnant. The magic of the region isn’t just in its storied past - it’s in the way its most forward-thinking winemakers challenge what’s possible while respecting what came before.
Few embody this balance better than Jean-Michel Chartron of Domaine Jean Chartron in Puligny-Montrachet and Thibault Liger-Belair of Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair in Nuits-Saint-Georges and Beaujolais. Their approaches to winemaking differ drastically, yet they share the same relentless pursuit of authenticity - expressing the land through innovation, precision, and an unshakable respect for terroir.
Jean-Michel Chartron: The Precision of Puligny-Montrachet
Fifth-generation winemaker Jean-Michel Chartron is deeply rooted in Puligny-Montrachet, the spiritual home of some of the world’s greatest Chardonnays. His domaine dates back to 1859, and over the years, it has become synonymous with elegance, restraint, and an almost scientific precision in expressing Puligny’s terroir.
What makes Chartron’s wines stand out is their ability to showcase Puligny’s limestone-driven minerality while maintaining a modern finesse that feels completely effortless. He doesn’t chase trends, nor does he cling blindly to history - his approach is one of quiet evolution. Minimalist oak influence, meticulous lees stirring, and a careful balance between freshness and weight define his wines. His Clos du Cailleret and Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru are benchmarks, offering a tension and purity that make you sit up and pay attention.
At a time when climate change is making white Burgundies richer and more opulent, Chartron is navigating the shift with a steady hand. He’s adjusted harvest dates, refined élevage techniques, and, most importantly, never lost sight of what Puligny should taste like - a whisper of power rather than a shout.
Thibault Liger-Belair: The Maverick of Nuits-Saint-Georges and Beaujolais
If Jean-Michel Chartron is the watchmaker of Puligny, Thibault Liger-Belair is its rebel philosopher.
Coming from a family with deep Burgundian roots, Liger-Belair could have easily followed the status quo. Instead, he chose a path that blends biodynamics, whole-cluster fermentation, and fearless experimentation. His wines are unapologetically expressive, sometimes polarizing, but always compelling.
His domaine in Nuits-Saint-Georges is home to old-vine Pinot Noir that he treats with the patience of an artist. He uses wild yeasts, minimal sulfur, and long macerations to let the vineyards tell their own story. His Nuits-Saint-Georges “Les Saint-Georges” Premier Cru is a masterpiece - structured, deep, and packed with layers of dark fruit, earth, and spice. Some of the best wines I’ve tasted in life.
But where Liger-Belair truly breaks the mold is in Beaujolais. While many still see Beaujolais as the land of simple, fruity wines, he has spent years proving that Gamay deserves the same reverence as Pinot Noir. His work in Moulin-à-Vent, with old vines that dig deep into granite soils, has redefined what the region is capable of. His Gamay bottlings are serious, structured, and age-worthy, challenging the long-standing hierarchy of Burgundy.
Two Winemakers, One Philosophy: Let the Land Speak
Despite their stylistic differences, both Chartron and Liger-Belair share one fundamental belief: wine is made in the vineyard, not the cellar. Their respect for terroir is absolute, but they interpret it in their own way - one through precision, the other through experimentation.
What makes Burgundy fascinating isn’t just the land - it’s the people who shape it, who fight for it, who refuse to let it become predictable. Jean-Michel Chartron and Thibault Liger-Belair remind us that great wine isn’t about tradition versus innovation. It’s about knowing when to honor the past and when to challenge it.
🔍 What’s inside?
🌱 The truth about biodynamics & honest farming - is it just philosophy, or does it truly shape what’s in the glass?
💰 Burgundy prices - what’s driving the skyrocketing demand, and where do we go from here?
🍾 Why, at the end of the day, drinking wine with others is what really matters.
A BIG THANK YOU
I would like to thank Vinum Fine Wines for providing the wines and setting up this interview and to Wine Mouth for lending the space. You can also watch this video on Youtube or listen on Spotify.
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