Jean-Baptiste Hardy

The revival of Muscadet by Jean-Baptiste Hardy

A globe-trotter turned winemaker in Mouzillon

For a long time, Muscadet suffered from a mediocre reputation, relegated to the shadows. However, talented winemakers like Jean-Baptiste Hardy have restored the image of this wine region. After traveling around the world to explore various winemaking approaches (Domaine Roulot, Leflaive, Patagonia, New Zealand, among others), he took over his family's vines in 2018, in Mouzillon, a charming village in the heart of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine appellation, 25 kilometers from Nantes.

Volcanic terroir and Burgundy-inspired winemaking

Precision, texture and elegance

Its playground extends over a typical Muscadet terroir, characterized by complex soils of gabbros (volcanic rocks), silica and clay. On his 4 hectares of old vines planted exclusively with Burgundy Melon, Jean-Baptiste Hardy implements organic viticulture focused on maintaining optimal health of the grapes. The result is astonishing, because his wines combine precision, elegance and texture, sometimes reminiscent of the great Chablis.

Characterful cuvées from the very first vintage

Fief de Chaintre and Clos de Lozangère

From its first vintage in 2020, the two vintages produced, from two distinct plots: Fief de Chaintre and Clos de Lozangère, have aroused admiration. Vinification lasts about a year, with aging on fine lees, mainly in 450 liter oak barrels. The wines then mature in vats for 6 months before being bottled without filtration or fining, and the sulfur level is reduced to the strict minimum. This Burgundian-style approach has propelled Jean-Baptiste Hardy to the ranks of the rising stars of Muscadet. A discovery not to be missed!