The young winemaker Paul-Henri Thillardon started out in 2008 with 500 square metres of Beaujolais-Villages which he inherited from his father as well as two and a half hecatres he had en fermage in Chénas. Today, his domain amounts to just under 12 hectacres, all of which is organically farmed and in the process of becoming biodynamic. Being a family affair, his brother Charles looks after the vines. This domain is surely one to keep an eye on.

Chassignol is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of Jean-Paul Thillardon’s domain. Produced in its eponymous lieu-dit, vines grow on a hillside parcel of granite and quartz soil. It is particularly difficult to cultivate here and mechanisation is virtually impossible. This wine exudes fabulous red and dark fruit aromas, lifted by hints of flowers and spice. Full-bodied with great depth in the mouth; fine tannins and minerality strike a remarkable balance.