Les Frères
Chardigny
One brother from Leflaive, one from business school, one fresh from enology training. Together they bridge Mâconnais and Beaujolais, farming 20 hectares at the geological fault line where Jurassic limestone meets volcanic granite.
Vines have been in the Chardigny family since the 1700s, but until 1995, grapes went to the cooperative in Charnay-Lès-Mâcon. That year, parents Catherine and Jean-Michel (an oenologist with 37 years in bottling operations across France) built a cellar in the family home and began vinifying themselves. In 2014, brothers Pierre-Maxime and Victor-Emmanuel took the reins, immediately converting to organic farming. By 2019, they were joined by middle brother Jean-Baptiste—former chef de culture for Domaine Leflaive's biodynamic Mâcon vineyards—bringing Burgundian precision to their Beaujolais soul. [^153^] [^154^] [^152^]
The Leflaive Connection
After years as vineyard manager for Domaine Leflaive's celebrated biodynamic Mâconnais holdings, Jean-Baptiste brought home the "Leflaive touch"—rigorous observation, biodynamic preparations, and the understanding that great wine is grown, not made. The convergence of Burgundian precision with Beaujolais terroir. [^154^]
The Family Legacy
Traces of acquisitions by Jean Bernard in the 1700s still exist in their parcels. From métayage (sharecropping) to independent estate, the family has worked these slopes for centuries. Today: 20 hectares, 8 in Saint-Véran, 6 in Saint-Amour, 3 in Bourgogne, 3 in Beaujolais-Villages. [^153^]
The Three Brothers
Different skills, same obsession. The eldest handles business, the youngest manages the cellar, the middle brings biodynamic mastery from Puligny-Montrachet's most revered estate.
Pierre-Maxime
Left a Château Bordelais to join in 2015. Business degree, oversees commerce and operations. Initiated organic certification. Born 1986. [^152^]
Jean-Baptiste
Agronomy degree. Former chef de culture at Domaine Leflaive (biodynamic). Joined 2019/20. The bridge between Mâconnais and Côte d'Or philosophy. [^154^]
Victor-Emmanuel
Diplôme National d'Oenologie et Viticulture. Oversees all vineyards and winemaking. Born 1991. The technical engine. [^154^]
"It's not difficult to imagine the bright future in store for these talented brothers working together, as their family domaine ascends in St. Veran and St. Amour." [^154^]
"Clean and direct, a balance between classic Côte d'Or Pinot Noir and softer, semi-carbonic Gamay typical of modern Beaujolais."— The Source Imports on their style
The Wines
Grapes cooled to 8°C before whole-bunch carbonic fermentation. Indigenous yeasts, minimal sulfur, light filtration. The geological crossroads in liquid form—Chardonnay from Jurassic limestone, Gamay from Massif Central igneous rock. [^152^]
Named after their hometown. 3 hectares at the geological convergence between Beaujolais and Mâconnais. 100% whole-bunch carbonic maceration in concrete and stainless steel. "For organically certified Beaujolais from a small domaine, it simply does not get better than this." 12.5% ABV. [^152^] [^163^]
High-density planting (12,000 vines/hectare) on clay/alluvium/limestone. Traditional vinification: long vatting (2.5 weeks), two pump-overs daily. More extracted style highlighting the diversity of Saint-Amour soils—less "typical" Beaujolais, more structured. From the "À La Folie" and Clos du Chapitre vineyards. [^163^] [^153^]
Jurassic limestone and clay, 250-450m altitude. Cooler sites providing "surprisingly good tension" with bright fruit and mineral notes. Fresh, gentle, mineral-driven. 8 hectares across multiple parcels. [^154^]
Replanted in 2013 and 2015. Limestone soils, organic farming. The "entry-level" Burgundy that proves the brothers' Côte d'Or ambitions. 3 hectares total. [^153^]
Visit & Contact
Located in Leynes, at the crossroads of Mâconnais and Beaujolais, south of Mâcon. The domaine is open for visits by appointment. The three brothers often work the vineyards together—Jean-Baptiste bringing Leflaive biodynamic expertise, Victor-Emmanuel overseeing vinification, Pierre-Maxime managing the business.
Address
Domaine Chardigny
Leynes · 71570
Southern Burgundy/Beaujolais
Website
domaine-chardigny.comCertifications
Organic Certified
Biodynamic Practices
20 Hectares
Specialty
Saint-Véran Chardonnay
Saint-Amour Gamay
Carbonic & Traditional