JÉRÈMIE CHOQUET

Monthou-sur-Bièvre, Loire

Jérémie Choquet farms and makes his wine in the small village of Monthou-sur-Bièvre in the Loire Valley. A Loire Valley native, Jérémie first worked under the guidance of Pierre-Olivier Bonhomme back in 2009, and eventually went on to train with Thierry Puzelat and at Domaine Pascal Pibaleau. In 2018 Jérémie and his then partner Blandine Floch finally acquired some vines and a cellar, and produced their first vintage. After separating, he still maintains around 2.5ha of vines, but has had to supplement with purchased grapes both from Touraine and the south (Gard), because of unreliable quantities in the Loire these days.

His vines are all farmed organically, with the utmost attention and respect for the environment always put first. In addition to sulfur and copper, herbal teas and homemade remedies are used to healthily treat vines, as well as encourage biodiversity amongst the vineyards’ ecosystems. The estate’s vines, which range from 35-45 years in age, are located across two communes in Cellettes and Chitenay, situated just ten minutes away from Cheverny. Here, clay, silex and limestone soils reign king, providing optimal growing conditions for Sauvignon, fié gris, Pinot Noir, Gamay and Côt.

In the cellar, Jérémie applies a gentle touch to his (currently) all-red lineup, using only old barrels and tanks, and never adding more than 1-2g of sulphur at bottling. These are elegant and pure wines of place that seem to become more refined and delicious with each passing vintage.