2019 Château Thébaud, Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie, Jeremie Huchet

One of Muscadet’s young stars, Jérémie Huchet took over at this family estate in 2001, and has changed it beyond recognition. He has gradually been increasing the size of the vineyard holdings, which now cover 64 hectares, a third of which is certified organic. Jérémie`s carefully considered program of investment both in the vineyards and the winery is clearly bearing its fruits. Each of the estate`s wines has its own history and personality. The vines for his Domaine de la Chauvinière Muscadet cuvée, which we have followed for more than 10 years, are planted on the edge of Chateau-Thébaud, with the Domaine buildings being perched on the edge of the cliff above the Maine river. These vines are run non-organically, but nonetheless are managed according to the principles of sustainable viticulture, with yields being held low by a minimal use of fertiliser and crop thinning when and where necessary. Stainless steel and new underground vats are used for fermentation, with 30% of the juice frequently undergoing a short skin contact to add depth and breadth to the finished wine.