Alexis Hudon is a Canadian winemaker from Quebec, now based in the Loire Valley, France, where he operates Domaine de Montaillant in the IGP Côtes de la Charité appellation. A former sommelier with a decade of experience in Quebec City, Montreal, and Paris, Alexis transitioned to winemaking in 2014, driven by a passion for natural wines. His journey includes apprenticeships with renowned natural winemakers like Julien Guillot (Burgundy), Nicolas Reau (Anjou), and Lise & Bertrand Jousset (Loire), culminating in the establishment of his own négociant business in 2018 and the acquisition of 6 hectares of vines in 2021. His wines, known for their minimal intervention, organic certification, and vibrant expression, have positioned him as a rising star in the Loire’s natural wine scene.

Winemaking Philosophy

• Organic and Minimal Intervention: Certified organic since 2024, Alexis cultivates 6 hectares (3 Chardonnay, 3 Pinot Noir) on clay-limestone and white marl soils in Chasnay, near Bourges. He uses no chemical inputs, minimal sulfites (if any), and follows lunar calendar vinification. Sheep graze the vineyards for natural weed control, and cover crops enhance soil health.

• Négociant Roots: Before owning vines, Alexis sourced organic grapes from friends in Touraine AOP (80% Saint-Aignan, 20% Montlouis-sur-Loire), Saumur, and near Nantes, participating in pruning, tilling, and hand-harvesting. He continues this hands-on approach with his own vineyards.

• Vinification: Wines are fermented with native yeasts in a mix of barrels, fiberglass tanks, and stainless steel, with no filtration or fining. His style emphasizes elegance, finesse, and terroir over power, producing clean, expressive wines.

• Grape Varieties and Cuvées:

  • Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (Côtes de la Charité): From his own vines, producing whites, reds, and a pétillant naturel (sparkling).

  • Grolleau Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Gamay, Menu Pineau, Grolleau Gris, Braucol (sourced for négociant wines):

  • Early Career: Alexis began as a sommelier in Quebec, trained by mentors like Jean-Sébastien and Frédéric at Symbiose Vins. He moved to Paris in 2013, working at natural wine hotspots Clamato and Coinstot Vino, immersing himself in the scene.

  • Winemaking Transition: In 2014, he worked his first harvest with Julien Guillot (Clos des Vignes du Maynes, Burgundy) and Nicolas Reau (Anjou), sparking his shift to winemaking. He joined Lise & Bertrand Jousset in 2015, spending three years learning while pursuing a viticulture-oenology degree.

  • Domaine de Montaillant: In 2018, Alexis started his négociant business in Bourges, prompted by his marriage to Camille, daughter of a Sancerre winemaker. In 2021, he partnered with Jérôme Loubert to buy 6 hectares in Côtes de la Charité, founding Domaine de Montaillant. The domaine’s small appellation (65 hectares total) is a hidden gem between Loire and Burgundy.