Originally from Brest, Thibault Stéphan first trained as a winegrower in Ardèche. However, his heart was drawn to the terroirs of western France, leading him to settle in 2015 in Puy-Notre-Dame, a charming village near Saumur in Anjou. Nestled in the tuffeau-rich “Turonian” soils, this region has already attracted several organic and natural winemakers, creating a dynamic hub for sustainable viticulture.

Thibault cultivates 4.5 hectares of vines, with one-third dedicated to Chenin Blanc and the remaining two-thirds to Cabernet Franc. His approach to viticulture is deeply respectful of the land, following organic farming principles with a strong inclination toward biodynamic practices. Every vineyard intervention is carried out manually, ensuring that only healthy, vibrant grapes make it to the barrels.

Minimal Intervention, Maximum Expression

After honing his craft under Loire legends Charles Joguet and Pierre Guiberteau, Thibault acquired his own small vineyard in Le Puy-Notre-Dame, a lesser-known appellation south of Saumur. His journey into the wine world was not one of inheritance but of passion and perseverance. A native of Brittany with no familial ties to winemaking, he ventured to the Loire in search of an opportunity—and through dedication and hard work, he now runs a small yet remarkable domaine in one of France’s most exciting up-and-coming wine regions.

Thibault’s wines—comprising a single Chenin Blanc and several expressions of Cabernet Franc—are all crafted from certified organic estate vines and vinified with minimal intervention. He typically adds a small dose of SO2 at bottling, but never before, and has even experimented with zero-sulfur cuvées in the past. His wines are fresh, fruit-forward, and full of energy, embodying the essence of the Loire Valley’s new wave of winemakers.

As part of a small group of young, talented vignerons—including Emmanuel Haget—Thibault Stéphan is helping to bring renewed attention to this humble yet promising corner of the Loire Valley. With his commitment to purity and terroir-driven expression, he is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of natural and organic wines.