Producer Spotlight: Jean Baptiste Hardy

Producer Spotlight: Jean Baptiste Hardy
Muscadet holds a special place in my heart. It was a single bottle from this wet, windswept, coastal appellation that broke the mold for me and the first wine that demonstrated the concept of terroir so clearly: I tasted, smelled and even felt the cold northern Atlantic with each sip. That bottle, Domaine de la Pépière's 'Clos de Briords' Muscadet, was a revelation, and I've been drinking and following Muscadet closely from that day on. Not a single bottle since that fateful bottle of Pépière has hit me with the same force, until I tasted today's duo.

Both bottles are the debut vintage of one of Muscadet's youngest winemakers, Jean-Baptiste Hardy, who's inaugural effort is nothing short of astonishing. Sourced from two tiny parcels of old vines in the far eastern corner of Muscadet, he has managed to coax immense coastal minerality from these vines. Both wines are chock-full of crisp fruit, crunchy textures and laced with a deep saline kick. These are eye opening wines, utterly transportive, and one of my most exciting discoveries to date. 

Today, I'm proud to offer the full range from Jean-Baptiste Hardy. 
REGULAR 2-PACK PRICE $89.98

SPECIAL NEWSLETTER PRICE $81.98
 
To order, reply directly to this email or call me at 843.576.4845
Despite his youth, Jean-Baptiste Hardy has traveled the world in pursuit of perfecting his craft. He's worked under some of the most revered names in wine: Jean-Marc Roulot and Domaine Leflaive in Burgundy and Domaine de la Côte in California to name a few. In 2018, he made the return to his family's historic estate in Muscadet and hasn't looked back.

Jean-Marc took over just under four hectares of old vines of massale section vines, planted between 1950 and 1960 in the commune of Mouzillon. His approach is artisanal: organic farming, hand-harvesting and a light hand in the cellar. His wines are clear indications that he's working on a level obtained by few in the region. He is a Muscadet prodigy. 
'Fief de Chaintre' 2020  $44.99

100% Melon de Bourgogne planted in 1960 on loam and a local, volcanic soil called gabbro. North facing exposure. Hand-harvested and vinified for 12 months on the lees in 450L barrels and concrete vats. Then blended in glass-lined underground tanks for 6 months prior to bottling, un-fined and unfiltered. 

A mineral driven nose of crushed oyster shells, fresh lemon, sourdough and flint. The deeply textured palate is awash in sea salt, fresh green herbs and crisp citrus acidity. There is serious density, cut and staying power here that I have never encountered a bottle of Muscadet before.  
'Clos de Lozangère' 2020 $44.99

100% Melon de Bourgogne planted in 1950 on sand and gabbro with a southern exposition. Hand-harvested and vinified for 12 months on lees in 450L barrels. Then blended in glass lined underground vats for 6 months. Bottled un-fined and unfiltered.

A touch reticent upon opening but really gets going after a few good swirls in the glass. Aromas of citrus, green pineapple, salt, fresh dough and white flowers. The weighty palate is tinged with saline minerals and freshly cut lemons. A wine that is simultaneously rich and powerful yet drinks as light as a feather. Just magical. 
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