Growing up as the son of Beaujolais’ famous Jean-Paul Thévenet, a member of the notorious 'Gang of Four', Charly learnt the trade at a very young age. Gaining extensive experience helping his father, and working in Marcel Lapierre’s winery, he purchased a parcel of eighty-year-old vines in Régnié, westsouthwest of his hometown of Villié-Morgon. Charly is a quiet, considered man who had firm opinions about Gamay and the region in general. He prefers whole-bunch ferments of ripe, heavily sorted fruit, at a low temperatures, with no filtration. He farms his 3ha vineyard biodynamically, and produces less than 600 cases. These wines have already found significant acclaim since the first vintage in 2007.
Biodynamic farming, late harvesting, gentle macerations and minimal effective sulfur dioxide during élevage in used barrels are the order of the day. The style is elegant and delicate, emphasizing charm and aromatic complexity over brut force, and the wines tend to age gracefully.
A wonderful producer, and a fine way to ease myself back into tasting for the year 2021. I’m a firm believer in being very kind to myself, and perhaps, others.
Juicy and spicy strawberry and raspberry, a slight earthiness, also floral perfume. Cool and fine, gentle sweep of emery tannin, fresh, some dried herb in the mix, and don’t mind me, but an almost Chambolle-like quality here, finishing dry, ‘mineral’ and long. Top shelf. Yes.