Land of Thistles

Terre des Chardons — Jérôme Chardon, a pioneer of biodynamics between Nîmes and Arles

The Domaine Terre des Chardons is one of the most unique and charming estates in the Costières de Nîmes. Located in Bellegarde, in the Gard department, between Nîmes and Arles, at the eastern edge of the Costières plateau on the border of the Camargue, this family-run mixed-farming estate embodies a rare and consistent vision of traditional farming: vines, olive trees, vegetables, and fruit—everything is grown together, using biodynamic methods, according to the same principles of respect for life and natural rhythms. It was Jérôme Chardon who, in 1999, took over the thirty hectares of the family estate—the Domaine Sainte-Marie des Costières—which until then had been devoted to market gardening and fruit farming. He was twenty-seven years old. He immediately planted nine hectares of vines with Syrah, Grenache, and Clairette—and committed the estate to biodynamics from the very beginning—a practice then reserved for a handful of pioneers in France. The first vintage was 2002. Since then, he has been working alongside Paul Vialle, who shares the same philosophy of a lively, terroir-driven wine, made for enjoyment and the test of time.

A mixed-crop estate: vineyards among olive trees and vegetables

What stands out at Terre des Chardons is the absence of monoculture. The 9-hectare vineyard coexists with 5 hectares of olive trees, vegetable crops (tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, zucchini, melons, squash—nearly two million heads of lettuce per year), and, in the past, apricot and cherry trees. All crops have been grown using organic farming methods since 1987 and Demeter-certified biodynamic farming since 2002. This mixed farming is not a paradox—it is a strength. It allows the estate to employ between ten and fifteen people year-round, as each crop has its own growth cycle. And it fosters natural biodiversity that directly benefits the vineyards: balanced soil, vibrant microbial life, and an absence of pest pressure. The vines receive homeopathic treatments, the harvest is done exclusively by hand, and the cellar was built with high-quality materials in harmony with nature. “We don’t practice biodynamics to make a name for ourselves—we do it because it’s the right thing to do”, sums up the estate’s philosophy. Another unique feature: each year, a portion of the bottles is distributed via the activist barge “Remises à flots”, which travels up the waterways from the south toward Paris to supply consumer cooperatives through short supply chains. This initiative aligns with the estate’s humanistic values.

The terroir: rounded pebbles, red clay, and the Bellegarde mistral

The Terre des Chardons vineyard is a single contiguous block surrounding the farmhouse, in the town of Bellegarde, at the eastern edge of the Costières plateau, on the border of the Camargue and a few kilometers from the Rhône. It is a land of sun, stones, and wind. The soils are typical of the Costières de Nîmes: rounded pebbles on red clay and limestone — these pebbles, rounded by the Rhône and deposited millions of years ago on the plateau, store the day’s heat and release it at night, promoting even ripening and grapes with beautiful concentration. This terroir of rounded pebbles is the geological hallmark of the Costières, which share this same fluvial origin with Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The influence of the mistral is particularly strong here—stronger than anywhere else in the appellation. This northerly wind constantly dries and aerates the grape clusters, naturally reducing disease and concentrating the aromas. It is also what gives Terre des Chardons’ reds that freshness and tension more commonly associated with wines from the northern Rhône Valley than with those of Languedoc. “We’re often told that they’re reminiscent of wines from the northern Rhône Valley in terms of the finesse of their tannins and their freshness,” confirms Jérôme Chardon.

Grape varieties: Syrah, Grenache, and Clairette de Bellegarde

The vineyard is planted with three grape varieties across two appellations: 4.3 hectares of Syrah and 2.1 hectares of Grenache Noir for the Costières de Nîmes reds and rosés. The vines are trained on trellises using the Cordon de Royat method to ensure better aeration of the clusters. Syrah, the quintessential grape variety of the northern Rhône Valley, finds a fresh and elegant expression here thanks to the mistral wind and the river pebbles. 2.5 hectares of Clairette Blanche for the AOC Clairette de Bellegarde — a rare and prized appellation, limited solely to the village of Bellegarde, where Clairette Blanche produces fresh, aromatic dry whites and late-harvest wines of great richness.

The Terre des Chardons vintages at Ardoneo

Bien Luné — Costières de Nîmes red — The entry-level cuvée and the heart of the estate. A blend of equal parts Syrah and Grenache, vinified separately for 15 to 20 days, then blended and aged for 6 months in tanks. Supple, delightful, bursting with fruit—blackcurrant, citrus, grapefruit—and breathtaking freshness. The tannins are refined, and it’s remarkably easy to drink. “A superb texture, with a smoky note that’s the hallmark of this estate as well as some of the great Rhône wines.” This wine is best enjoyed young, slightly chilled, with grilled meats, pizza, or a charcuterie platter. Marginal — Costières de Nîmes Red — A wine with spirit and character. 80% Syrah, 20% Grenache, from plots of gress—these local siliceous pebbles that, through the albedo effect, accumulate heat and promote slow, steady ripening. Long vatting: 15 days for the Grenache, 25 to 30 days for the Syrah, aged in tanks. A light garnet color—uncommon for Syrah—with a complex nose of red and black fruits, cut grass, fresh leather, juniper berries, licorice, and spices. On the palate, the tannins are silky and well-integrated, with a lingering, fresh finish. 1 star in the 2022 Hachette Guide — “An original and charming Costières.” Serve with red meats or grilled dishes, slightly chilled during the mid-season. Le Chardon Masqué — Costières de Nîmes red — The estate’s most free-spirited and newest cuvée. A blend of Syrah, Cinsault (40%), and Grenache—with Cinsault taking center stage, a southern grape variety renowned for its finesse, here featured ahead of the usual Syrah and Grenache. Natural winemaking without oenological additives, using indigenous yeasts, and aged in concrete tanks or large oak casks depending on the vintage. The result is even more supple and delightful than the Bien Luné: deep aromas of black fruit and spices, a light and smooth palate, and barely perceptible tannins. A red to be enjoyed chilled, right away, with light dishes, cheeses, or as an aperitif. A cuvée that epitomizes the estate’s philosophy: no pretense, no artifice—just the fruit and the terroir. Discover other great organic wines from the Costières de Nîmes at Ardoneo, as well as our complete selection of organic wines from the Rhône Valley.

FAQ — Terre des Chardons

Where is the Terre des Chardons estate located? The estate is located in Bellegarde, in the Gard department, between Nîmes and Arles, at the eastern edge of the Costières plateau, at the gateway to the Camargue. The 9-hectare vineyard is a single contiguous plot surrounding the Mas Sainte-Marie des Costières. Is the Terre des Chardons estate certified organic? Yes—all of the estate’s production (vineyards, olive groves, vegetable gardens) has been organically farmed since 1987. The vineyard has been certified Demeter biodynamic and Ecocert since 2002, one of the first biodynamic conversions in the appellation. What is Clairette de Bellegarde? Clairette de Bellegarde is a niche appellation covering less than 10 hectares in total, limited to the village of Bellegarde, producing exclusively a dry white wine made from 100% Clairette Blanche. It is one of the rarest and most prized appellations in Languedoc-Roussillon. What is the style of Terre des Chardons’ wines? Jérôme Chardon describes his wines as “wines of character”—lively, expressive wines where freshness, refined tannins, and drinkability take center stage. Under the influence of the Bellegarde mistral, the Syrah develops an elegance and tension more commonly associated with the northern Rhône Valley than with the Languedoc. What dishes pair well with Terre des Chardons wines? Le Bien Luné and Le Chardon Masqué, which are softer and fruitier, are perfect when served slightly chilled with grilled meats, pizzas, cheeses, or as an aperitif. Le Marginal, which is more structured, pairs well with red meats, a prune tagine, cassoulet, or slow-cooked dishes any time of year.