Château Philippe le Hardi

Château Philippe le Hardi is a historic Burgundy estate with deep roots—once the home of Philip the Bold, the Duke who banned Gamay from the Côte d'Or in 1395, insisting on Pinot Noir alone. Today the château, identifiable by its distinctive multi-coloured tiled roof, produces elegant, character-driven wines that respect the vineyard rather than overpower it. Under current ownership and the leadership of Chef de Cave François des Moutis, the estate has invested in modern facilities while adopting a philosophy of minimal new oak and gentle extraction—a practical choice that lets the quality of their sites speak clearly.

About Château Philippe le Hardi

The domaine operates 106 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards spread across three regions, with plans underway to convert to organic certification. The heart of the estate lies in Mercurey (72 hectares), where they craft both white and red wines of surprising depth. A further 18 hectares sit in Côte d'Or villages including Chassagne and Saint-Aubin, while 2019 expansion brought significant parcels into the portfolio: eight hectares were acquired in the northern Burgundy slopes, introducing Gevrey-Chambertin, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru 'Petite Chapelle', Clos de Vougeot, and Chambolle-Musigny to their holdings.

François des Moutis' winemaking approach prioritises expressing the character of individual vineyard sites. Rather than relying on heavy new oak, the team uses sensitive handling to preserve the natural structure and aromatics of the fruit. This restraint is especially valuable in entry-level and village-level Burgundy, where over-extraction or excessive wood aging can mask rather than enhance regional character. The result is wines that deliver concentration and intensity at all price points, performing noticeably above what their appellation might suggest.

Specific vineyard parcels show this philosophy clearly. The Mercurey Blanc 'Bois de Lalier' displays bright citrus fruit with superb texture; the Mercurey Rouge 'Les Chenaults' offers perfumed cherry and lifted acidity. At Saint-Aubin 'En Vesveau' (four hectares), you'll find concentrated citrus with a touch of smokiness and brilliant palate tension—increasingly sought-after territory at fair pricing.

Château Philippe le Hardi Wines in Our Collection

The estate's range spans from value-conscious Bourgogne bottlings to Grand Cru expressions. A step up, the 2022 Mercurey Rouge 1er Cru Les Puillets (90 points Jancis Robinson, 91 Decanter World Wine Awards) shows what the Châlonnaise can achieve with proper vineyard selection and handling.

At the top end, the 2019 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (90 points) represents the domaine's serious ambition in Côte de Nuits territory—a savory, structured Pinot Noir that commands attention. The 2021 Gevrey-Chambertin (89 points) and 2021 Chambolle-Musigny (89 points) confirm the estate's capability across the northern slopes.

Food Pairing

The lighter reds—Mercurey Rouge and Bourgogne Pinot Noir—pair naturally with roasted poultry, game birds, and earthy mushroom dishes. The brighter whites from Saint-Aubin and Chassagne work well with freshwater fish, creamy seafood preparations, and soft cheeses. The Grand Cru and Premier Cru bottlings, with their added structure and aging potential, suit beef braises, duck confit, and mature cheeses that demand more serious wine partners.

What makes Château Philippe le Hardi different from other Burgundy producers?

The estate prioritises minimal new oak and gentle extraction to express individual vineyard character rather than winemaking technique. Under Chef de Cave François des Moutis, this approach delivers supple, characterful wines across all price points, from entry-level Bourgogne to Grand Cru.

Which wines offer the best value from this producer?

The 2023 Bourgogne Pinot Noir Vieilles Vignes and 2022 Saint-Aubin En Vesveau deliver remarkable concentration well above their appellation level. High-elevation whites from Saint-Aubin also perform with impressive intensity and tension.

Does Château Philippe le Hardi farm sustainably?

Yes. All 106 hectares are sustainably farmed, with conversion to organic certification underway. The domaine holds parcels across Mercurey, Côte d'Or villages, and Côte de Nuits.

Who makes Château Philippe le Hardi wines?

Château Philippe le Hardi, a historic Burgundy estate led by Chef de Cave François des Moutis. The domaine operates 106 hectares across Mercurey, Côte d'Or villages, and northern Burgundy slopes including Gevrey-Chambertin and Clos de Vougeot.

What style of wine does Château Philippe le Hardi make?

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with minimal new oak and gentle extraction. Their reds are savory and classic (scoring 87–90 points); whites are buttery and complex. The approach prioritises expressing individual vineyard character rather than heavy oak influence.

How much does Château Philippe le Hardi wine cost?

Between £23 and £213. Entry-level Bourgogne starts around £23–£30; village and premier cru bottles range £40–£94; Grand Cru Clos de Vougeot reaches £213.