Thillardon

Founded in 2008 by Paul-Henri Thillardon in Chénas, Domaine Thillardon is today one of the emblems of the new generation in Beaujolais. Descended from a line of southern Beaujolais winegrowers, Paul-Henri has quickly established himself as an innovative and respectful winemaker, in collaboration with his brothers Charles and Jean-Baptiste, and his sister Aude.

Domaine Thillardon goes far beyond wine production: it's a veritable ecosystem where biodynamic agriculture and polyculture coexist. Convinced that "monoculture makes no sense", the Thillardons integrate horses, cows, pigs, poultry, fruit trees and beehives into the vineyard to maintain the balance of the soil and the environment. This approach reflects their quest for harmony between their love of their profession, their ecological convictions and their quest for quality of life.

Biodynamics is not just a farming method, but a philosophy that guides every step of the process, from vine to bottle. The soils are alive, surrounded by hedges and worked with care, often with horses for steep plots like those of Chénas Chassignol.

The wine estate covers 12.5 hectares, spread over several appellations, with a particular emphasis on Chénas and Moulin-à-Vent. The soils, from the pink granite of Chassignol to the flint of Chénas Les Carrières, give each cuvée its own distinctive identity. These exceptional terroirs, complemented by prestigious plots such as Moulin-à-Vent Sous la Roche, bear witness to the region's geological diversity.

The grapes are harvested at perfect maturity and rigorously sorted. Winemaking is instinctive, influenced by winemakers such as Yvon Métras and Jean-Louis Dutraive. Fermentations are sulfur-free in concrete vats saturated with CO₂, and pump-overs are limited to respect the wine's structure. Maceration times vary from plot to plot, ranging from one week for red Beaujolais to one month for Chénas Chassignol, a vibrant, structured wine.

Ageing in barrels or concrete vats lasts 9 to 10 months. The wines are then bottled with minimal use of sulfur (10 mg/L) or without sulfur, favoring a pure expression of terroir. Chénas Vibrations, for example, is a cuvée made from several parcels that embodies the wine estate's distinctive finesse and delicacy.

Domaine Thillardon represents a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. The Thillardons don't just produce wines: they cultivate a philosophy of life, in harmony with their terroir and environment. This approach enables them to offer cuvées that are sincere, natural and full of emotion, appealing to wine lovers and connoisseurs alike.

A true model for the Beaujolais of today and tomorrow.