Le Bois Dieu

The Passion of Salma Cassam Chenaï & Frédéric Thiry

Le Bois Dieu is a story of transformation, passion, and a profound respect for the land. Nestled in the picturesque Brionnais region, in the southern reaches of Burgundy, this enchanting estate is the culmination of a dream shared by Salma Cassam Chenaï and Frédéric Thiry.

For over two decades, Salma and Frédéric navigated the demanding world of law in Switzerland. Yet, beneath their professional lives lay a deep-seated love for wine, particularly those crafted with authenticity and minimal intervention. A series of weekend escapes to Burgundy led them to the charming, unspoiled Brionnais, and eventually, to the acquisition of the historic Le Bois Dieu estate in 2015.

This transition marked not just a change of scenery, but a complete embrace of the vigneron's life. Despite lacking formal viticultural training, Salma and Frédéric have been guided by their palate, their conviction in natural winemaking, and invaluable advice from a network of esteemed winemaking friends (including insights gleaned from figures like Pierre Overnoy of the Jura).

Le Bois Dieu is home to precious parcels of very old Gamay vines, some planted as early as 1936 – rare survivors of a once-vast vineyard that covered the Brionnais before the phylloxera crisis. These ancient vines are cultivated with rigorous organic practices, aiming to enhance the living ecosystem of the soil. In the cellar, their philosophy is equally pure: fermentations are spontaneous with native yeasts, and the wines are crafted without any inputs or added sulfites, and are never fined or filtered.

In addition to their estate vines, Salma and Frédéric engage in a small négoce activity, carefully sourcing organic grapes from like-minded growers in other regions to create a diverse range of vibrant, "joyful" wines.

The result is a collection of wines that are juicy, silky, and bursting with life, truly reflecting the incredible beauty of this preserved terroir. Le Bois Dieu is a testament to the idea that passion, dedication, and a commitment to nature can lead to wines of profound character and unadulterated pleasure.