Marie Thibault

Marie Thibault is one of our “near and dear” producers. She was one of the first to visit us during a wine dinner on a particularly snowy winter evening. Her personality is infectious, and she is a woman who forged her own path in the wine world. This is quite a feat, considering the wine industry - like many - can be insular.

Marie Thibault didn’t come from a family who owned parcels of vines or any fancy estates handed down from generation to generation. She became one of the Loire Valley’s rising stars entirely on her own merit, with a combination of grit and humility. With her pageboy hat, swath of cropped dark hair, and chunky scarves, Marie is humble and has a quiet, constant desire to improve her craft. Yet her wines have a life of their own.

Armed with degrees in Biology and Oenology, she started making wine in the early 2000s and worked for François Chidaine in Montlouis. Chidaine is one of the champions of Chenin Blanc, and Marie could not help but fall hard for the variety. She eventually started her eponymously-named label in 2004 and purchased her own estate in 2010.  

Her parcel of vines is located in Azay le Rideau, an under-appreciated appellation within the Touraine AOC in the Loire Valley. The majority of her vines are 50ish years old, and she works with Côt, Gamay, Grolleau, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc. A mosaic of different soil types such as limestone, white clay, and flint add plenty of character to her wines. Her parcel is on the smaller side - about four hectares total - so she’s able to spend more time with her vines and prioritize careful, thoughtful farming. Her powerful wines speak volumes, and are punchy, energetic, and no-nonsense.