Maxime Dubuet-Boillot

In the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, the micro‑négociant project of Maxime Dubuet‑Boillot represents a blend of family heritage and fresh ambition. The Boillot name is well known in Volnay and its neighboring villages, and Maxime has emerged as a new voice within this lineage. After several years working in the high‑precision world of motorsport, he returned to Burgundy with a meticulous, detail‑oriented approach that now informs his winemaking. His small négociant venture has quickly attracted quiet attention to producing wines of purity and finesse, becoming a favorite among sommeliers and enthusiasts seeking authentic, character‑driven Burgundy.

History and Background

Maxime Dubuet Boillot’s label was first released in 2017, marking a decisive return to the family’s viticultural legacy after a successful career as a mechanic in the French professional racing circuit. This background instilled in him a profound respect for precision, detail, and the mechanics of a complex system — skills he deftly translates to the vineyard and cellar.

Key to his development has been the guidance of his uncle, Philippe Boillot, who provided foundational knowledge and access to prized vineyards. Furthermore, Maxime honed his craft alongside the talented Gilles Remoriquet in Nuits-Saint-Georges, an experience that deeply influenced his philosophical and technical approach. From a modest start, Maxime has patiently built his portfolio, with a focused evolution that has seen his wines gain remarkable polish and expressiveness in a short time.

“Reminding many of the wines of Coche-Dury.”

by Charles Curtis MW, Decanter on the 00 Wines Chardonnays

Vineyard and Terroir

Maxime sources fruit from carefully selected parcels primarily in Volnay and Pommard, along with additional sites in Nuits‑Saint‑Georges. These vineyards lie on the classic limestone and clay-dominated soils of Burgundy’s mid-slope, benefiting from ideal sun exposure. The climate is continental, with warm days and cool nights that ensure graceful ripening and aromatic complexity.

Many of the parcels he works with include older vines, which naturally produce smaller yields of concentrated fruit. In the vineyards he sources from, Maxime advocates for sustainable, lutte raisonnée practices (reasoned struggle), carefully managing the ecosystem to ensure vine health and longevity. His deep respect for terroir means interventions are minimal, allowing the unique character of each climate —from the vibrant energy of Volnay to the structured depth of Pommard — to speak with clarity and authenticity in the bottle.

Winemaking Philosophy

Maxime’s philosophy bridges traditional Burgundian sensibility with thoughtful modern experimentation. He seeks to capture the pristine fruit and mineral essence of his terroirs, guiding the wines with a light touch. A key technique in his exploration is the use of whole-cluster fermentation for some cuvées, a practice that enhances the wines’ aromatic perfume, adds a layer of spicy complexity, and contributes to a suppler, more juicy texture. Fermentations are spontaneous with indigenous yeasts, and élévage occurs in French oak barrels, with a judicious use of new wood to frame the fruit without overpowering it. This approach emphasises purity and balance over power, resulting in wines that are both elegantly precise and delightfully expressive.

Signature Wines

Maxime produces a concise but compelling range of appellation and premier cru wines from Volnay, Pommard, and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Three standout offerings exemplify his style:

1. 2022 Maxime Dubuet Boillot Volnay Les Vieilles Vignes: Sourced from older vines, this village-level Volnay transcends its appellation. It offers a beautiful synthesis of red cherries, violets, and a touch of earth. The use of some whole clusters brings a silky, perfumed vibrancy, making it an incredibly approachable yet complex wine that perfectly illustrates Maxime’s signature elegance.
2. 2022 Maxime Dubuet Boillot Volnay Carelle Sous La Chapelle 1er Cru: This premier cru from a celebrated vineyard site showcases the pedigree of Volnay. It reveals a deeper, more structured profile of dark berries, rose petals, and stony minerality. Carefully aged in barrel, it balances its concentrated fruit with refined tannins and a long, persistent finish, demonstrating the potential for graceful aging.
3. 2022 Maxime Dubuet Boillot Nuits St Georges: While based in Volnay, Maxime’s work with Gilles Remoriquet is reflected in this compelling Nuits. It presents a delightful contrast, with a darker fruit profile, hints of spice, and a more robust, savory structure, all while maintaining the domaine’s hallmark of freshness and drinkability.

Recognition and Impact

Though still early in his career, Maxime Dubuet Boillot has achieved what many young Burgundians strive for: critical acclaim from the most discerning local palates. His wines have rapidly become an insider’s secret, featured on the lists of top restaurants and in boutique wine shops throughout Burgundy and France. Sommeliers champion Maxime's wines for their typicity, value, and emotional resonance. This grassroots recognition signifies a profound impact, as he contributes to the vibrant next generation of artisans upholding and reinterpreting Burgundy’s traditions with passion and integrity.

Maxime Dubuet‑Boillot represents an exciting evolution in Burgundy — rooted in family heritage yet shaped by a modern, exacting approach. His journey from motorsport to winery has yielded wines of remarkable purity, elegance, and site-specific truth. As his wines begin to find audiences beyond France, enthusiasts have a rare opportunity to discover a winemaker on the cusp of wider renown. Exploring his Volnay and Pommard wines is to taste the promise of a dedicated talent hitting his stride.

2017 Clos des Papes • Chateauneuf du Pape

He blends grapes from his different plots to co-ferment in large vats, after which he then re-blends in to large 20-55 hectoliter wooden foudres (casks) to mature for 15 months. New or small barrels are never used, “I like the oak to make an indirect impact – I only want tannins from the grape skins not even the pips and certainly not the stalks” says Avril. And though it may not be widely known, this domaine has been buying corks from the same producer in Portugal ever since 1926!

The wines are no doubt enticing, garnering great praise from many publications and critics such as Wine Spectator who awarded their 2005 vintage as “Wine of the Year”, stating that “in the Southern Rhône's recent trio of great vintages starting with 2003, no other Châteauneuf-du-Pape domaine has produced better wines than Clos des Papes”. But the accolades don’t stop there, as Robert Parker followed on to pronounce the 2007 vintage “the greatest Chateauneuf du Pape made since 1978 and 1990”.

We at Ginsberg+Chan are extremely proud to be the exclusive distributors of Clos des Papes, and with good volumes of both red and white back vintages too, we can ensure you a wide range of drinking windows for your cellar.

Available Wines From Maxime Dubuet-Boillot