Philippe Chevarin

is a prominent natural winemaker in the Coteaux d'Ancenis area of the Loire Valley, near Oudon. His career is a classic example of a passionate second act, transitioning from a successful, globe-trotting profession to the meticulous, grounded world of viticulture.

🎶 From Audio Engineer to Vigneron

• Prior Career: For over 20 years, Philippe worked as an audio engineer, focusing on live music for artists including Dominique A. and Vanessa Paradis, an industry that provided him with considerable downtime.

• The Revelation: His path changed after being introduced to the world of low-intervention wine through winemaker Thierry Puzelat. A taste of Puzelat's Le Buisson Pouilleux cuvée was an epiphany, leading him to pursue winemaking.

• Training and Mentorship: Philippe enrolled to study viticulture and oenology, taking a two-year placement with Jacques and Agnès Carroget of Domaine de la Paonnerie (known pioneers of natural wine). Jacques became a key mentor.

• Establishment: Philippe began working his first 2.8 hectares of vines in 2014. He bottled his first vintage under his own label in 2015. He now works approximately 5.3 hectares in and around Oudon.

🍇 Vineyard and Wine Philosophy

Philippe's winemaking is defined by a commitment to pure expression of his terroir, echoing his "no frills and no distractions" approach from audio engineering.

• Terroir: The vineyards are situated in the Coteaux d'Ancenis, featuring soils of schist, quartz, and sandstone.

• Farming: All vineyards are converted to organics (in the process of Ecocert certification). Since 2018, Philippe has also applied biodynamic practices and essential oils, often working closely with his neighbor, fellow natural winemaker Jacques Février (Le Raisin à Plume).

• Grapes: He grows a diverse array of traditional and regional varieties: Melon de Bourgogne, Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay, Grolleau, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.

• Cellar: Fermentation is done with indigenous yeasts, and aging occurs simply in tank and fiberglass—no new oak. Philippe aims to avoid the use of added sulfur but is not dogmatic, occasionally adding homeopathic doses if a cuvée requires it.

The resulting wines are celebrated for being fluid, honest, cheerful, and precise, clearly reflecting the health of the vineyards and the minimal intervention philosophy.