Thomas PUECHAVY

After a career as a musician with the Franco-American folk-rock band “Moriarty,” Thomas Puéchavy is—much to our delight—embarking on an adventure in the world 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 winery—built entirely of tuffeau (the local limestone)—that was very spacious, with several rooms, and located right next to the maison . Despite Nazelles-Négron’s proximity to Vouvray, Thomas’s wines are classified as Vin de France because the winery where they’re made isn’t located in Vouvray itself (we won’t comment on that… 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 debut vintage in 2018, Thomas is back at it, and we’re very excited to offer you two wines from the 2019 vintage. Thomas Puéchavy—a great guy and a winemaker to watch!