winemaker Thomas PUECHAVY

After a career as a musician in the Franco-American rock-folk group "Moriarty", Thomas Puéchavy has embarked, to our great delight, on the adventure of the wines we love: living wines!

Born in Paris to an American mother and a French father, it is true that nothing predestined Thomas for a career as a winemaker. However, since his childhood holidays spent in the Loir et Cher region of France and his numerous peregrinations through France (and its vineyards) with his band Moriarty, Thomas Puéchavy has discovered a growing interest and a strong desire for the wine world. In 2012, he will be harvesting and making wine at Bruno Duchêne's winery in Roussillon.

In 2016, after 15 years as a harmonica player with his band, it was time for him to do something else. He then undertook a BTS (vocational training certificate) in viti-oeno in Amboise. Trained by very good teachers (such as Damien Delecheneau of La Grange Tiphaine, for example), it is quite natural that he turns to a healthy viticulture and close to nature. He has had several experiences around Vouvray, notably with Tanguy Perrault, where he learns to make wine.

After some research he acquired some 3 hectares of Chenin vines in the Vouvray appellation. The vines are between 25 and 80 years old and are adjacent to Winery Huet. He immediately started converting his vines to organic farming.

At the same time, he moved with his family to the village of Nazelles-Négron where he found an incredible cellar, all made of tuffeau (the local chalk), very spacious, with several rooms and all right next to the family's maison . Despite the proximity of Nazelles-Négron to Vouvray, Thomas's wines are in " Vin de France " because the cellar where the wines are vinified is not in Vouvray itself (we won't comment... grrrrrr).

Thomas' wines are vinified as naturally as possible and aged in barrels. The Chenin grape variety expresses its terroir in these wines. A significant minerality emerges, the maturities are there but we find nevertheless freshness thanks to acidities and well controlled maturation.

After a successful first vintage in 2019, Thomas is back at it again, and we are very happy to be able to offer you two vintages for the 2020 vintage. Thomas Puéchavy, a nice guy and a talented winemaker to follow!