The Estate

Born into a winemaking family, Anthony Thévenet honed his skills first with Georges Descombes, one of the local veterans of natural winemaking, and subsequently spent five years as the right hand man of Jean Foillard, one of the true luminaries of Beaujolais. Having inherited his grandfather’s vineyards with vines ranging from 40-150 years old, Anthony Thévenet started his estate in 2012, and produced the first vintage under his own name in 2013. With vineyards from great terroir, old vines, and an apprenticeship with the great craftmen of his region, the wines produced by Anthony Thévenet wowed us on our first tasting. With appealing complex bouquet, impeccably balanced ripe red fruited palate, and an energy that reflects the respectful farming practices, these are excellent wines that fuse tradition with qualities that satisfy the contemporary demand for wines that can be enjoyed in their youth.

Viticulture and Vinification

The vineyards are farmed organically and everything is done by hand. The farming is done with as little impact as possible on the top soil, allowing the beneficial organisms just below the surface to survive, and only the organically permitted of copper and sulphur is used when necessary. The winemaking process is hands off, with vinification following the traditional carbonic maceration method, and the wines are aged in demi-muids and used barrels for around seven months with no sulphur added until bottling without fining or filtration.

Wines Produced

Beaujolais village

Morgon

Morgon Vieilles Vignes

Chénas

Chénas Vieilles Vignes

Morgon Côte du Py - Cuvée Julia

Morgon Centenaire

From 150 years old vines, only around 1,200 bottles produced each vintage. According to Neal Martin of Vinous.com, “the 2017 Morgon Cuvée Centenaire was pixelated, crystalline and complex. As I state in my review, it will give a Grand Cru from the Côte d’Or a run for its money. Just 1,200 bottles are produced, but try to grab one.”

Critical Praise

“Thévenet is a winemaker that Josh Raynolds has covered on Vinous, but this represented my introduction. I completely understand why Josh was so enthused by Thévenet - these wines quietly blew me away.”

Neal Martin, Vinous.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country:  France

Region:  Beaujolais

Appellation:  Morgon

Founded:  2012

Annual Production: 3,000 cases

Farming: Organic