Benoit Droin

Winemaker Benoit Droin is a forteenth-generation winemaker and the head of Domaine Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin in Chablis, the northernmost region of Burgundy, France. With a 400-year family history in Chablis, Droin’s commitment to crafting the distinctive wines of the region is unparalleled.

Droin joined the domaine in 1999, after receiving a oenology diploma from the Wine College in Beaune and completing studies in Dijon. Inheriting management of the estate from his father, Jean Paul Droin, Droin has continued the family tradition, notably by changes to oak utilization. Under the older generations, wines would often be given pronounced oak characteristics. With Droin’s appearance as manager however, wine production has begun favoring stainless steel tanks.

The domaine is known for producing different wines, all of which follow an overarching style of buttery richness and raciness, alongside pure fruits. This style is seen in the domaine’s Premier Crus and Grand Crus offerings, which have found a balance between concentration and steeliness. Droin himself has been commended for his efforts in maintaining the typicity of the terroir, traditionally one of the most difficult tasks of a winemaker.

The production range of Domaine Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin currently contains 14 wines. These include traditional Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines, as well as the 9th Premier Cru, Valourent from the right bank of the Serein. With such a wide range of wines available, Droin continues to challenge himself to craft balanced, memorable wines, drawing on nearly 500 years of family history in Chablis.

Droin’s commitment and success in producing wines of exceptional flavor and quality have led him to be counted among some of the most talented winemakers of his generation. For fans of traditional Chablis wines, Domaine Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin is sure to please.