Domaine Yohan Lardy is a distinguished winery based in Romanèche-Thorins, in the heart of the Beaujolais region of France. Founded and operated by Yohan Lardy, the estate is renowned for its expressive Gamay wines crafted from historic vines, many of which date back over a century.
Company Overview
Yohan Lardy represents the new generation of vignerons in Beaujolais, merging traditional viticultural practices with a natural winemaking ethos. After studying viticulture and oenology and gaining hands-on experience in Chile and Argentina, Yohan returned to France in 2012 to launch his own domaine with a firm belief in organic and terroir-driven winemaking.
Core Business and Offerings
Domaine Yohan Lardy specializes in premium wines from old-vine Gamay and Chardonnay, produced with minimal intervention. Their key product offerings include:
-
Red Wines
- Moulin-à-Vent “Les Michelons”
- Moulin-à-Vent “Vieilles Vignes 1903” – from vines planted in 1903
- Fleurie “Le Vivier”
- Chénas “Les Deschamps”
- Vin de France Gamay “Poppy” – a vibrant, natural red
-
White Wines
- Beaujolais-Villages Blanc “Les Bruyères” – made from Chardonnay grapes
These wines are celebrated for their purity, elegance, and deep reflection of Beaujolais terroir.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
Yohan Lardy’s wines are defined by:
- Old vines: Including parcels planted in 1903 and 1911, contributing depth and complexity
- Organic farming: Practiced without herbicides or pesticides
- Natural vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, no added sulfites for some cuvées
- Hand harvesting and semi-carbonic maceration, preserving freshness and structure
His dedication to biodiversity and minimalism in the cellar has earned acclaim in natural wine circles.
Market and Export Strategy
Domaine Yohan Lardy exports a significant portion of its production to countries including the USA, Japan, the UK, and Scandinavia. His wines are available in high-end wine shops, natural wine bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Yohan’s international appeal is amplified through:
- Active participation in natural wine fairs like RAW Wine and La Dive Bouteille
- Strong presence on social media, especially Instagram, to engage wine enthusiasts globally
Production and Infrastructure
Yohan Lardy oversees roughly 5 hectares of vineyards across prestigious Beaujolais crus. Key vineyard features include:
- Granite and schist soils ideal for Gamay
- Hand-tended vines with low yields
- Aging in concrete vats and neutral oak barrels
Annual production is boutique in scale, often limited to a few thousand bottles per cuvée, ensuring attention to detail and artisanal quality.
Certifications and Compliance
While not formally certified organic, the domaine adheres to organic principles and practices natural winemaking techniques. Several cuvées are produced without added sulfites, appealing to natural wine connoisseurs.
Financial and Market Recognition
Exact financials are not public, but Domaine Yohan Lardy has earned widespread recognition in the natural and boutique wine sectors. Reviews from critics such as Wine Advocate, Decanter, and Vinous highlight the depth and character of his wines.
His “Vieilles Vignes 1903” Moulin-à-Vent has particularly drawn attention for its heritage and complexity.
Branding and Online Presence
- Brand: Domaine Yohan Lardy
- Social Media: Active Instagram presence (@yohan_lardy) showcasing vineyard life and wine stories
- Direct sales via email and international importers
- Label designs reflect both heritage and contemporary aesthetics, with “Poppy” as a youthful, energetic line
Conclusion
Domaine Yohan Lardy is a leading name in artisanal Beaujolais winemaking. With a focus on old vines, natural vinification, and terroir expression, Yohan crafts wines that are vibrant, authentic, and internationally sought after. His philosophy bridges tradition and innovation, positioning the domaine as a benchmark for modern Beaujolais.