Stephan Thibault

France
Loire Valley

Stephan Thibault : the hidden side of Saumur

Stephan Thibault is a 34-year-old young winemaker originally from Brest. Having pursued university studies in urban planning, nothing destined him to become a winemaker. His interest in wine developed over time through numerous tastings and encounters that allowed him to discover and understand the complexity and diversity of vineyard and cellar work.

Following his instinct and passion, he redirected his studies and began wine training. This path led him to Ardèche, in the southern Rhône Valley, where he trained as a winemaker.

But it was Chenin that interested him. So, he began to move back westward to gain experience by working with winemakers such as Romain Guiberteau, Antoine Sanzay, Loic Terquem, and Charles Joguet.

In 2015, he settled in Puy-Notre-Dame, in Saumur, one of the emblematic terroirs of Chenin where the tuffeau ‘turonien’ soils are conducive to the beautiful expression of this grape variety.

Today, he owns 4.5 hectares of vineyards, averaging 40 years old, divided between two-thirds Cabernet Franc and one-third Chenin Blanc.

The soils are worked with respect, and the vineyard is cultivated using certified organic agriculture. All viticultural interventions are marked by biodynamic practices, and all direct actions on the vines are manual, allowing vinification with minimal inputs on healthy and vibrant grapes.

Stephan Thibault’s wines are all classified as Vin de France, thus avoiding overly stringent specifications and allowing the winemaker to work according to his intuition.

The wines are authentic, crunchy, and indulgent. They are the pure expression of a respectful work of the fruits that compose them. A true hidden gem that we are pleased to unveil.