Thibault Ducroux grew up in Beaujolais watching his father work the vines, but the real turning point came when he discovered the writings of Jules Chauvet, the region's 20th-century natural wine pioneer. That encounter changed the direction of his career entirely. After studying viticulture and oenology, he honed his practice at Julien Sunier's estate before striking out on his own in 2019, when he purchased his first 1.25 hectares and released En Roue Libre, a tribute to both his freewheeling approach to winemaking and his passion for cycling.
The Vineyards
Thibault now farms 10.5 hectares across three appellations: 5.5 hectares in Beaujolais, 4.24 in Morgon, and 0.76 in Fleurie. Vines average 50 years of age and are planted at a high density of 10,000 plants per hectare, a choice that naturally limits yields and builds concentration. Organic viticulture is in conversion toward certification, and all grapes are hand-harvested.
In the Cellar
Whole-bunch carbonic maceration is the standard method, faithful to the great Beaujolais tradition. Indigenous yeasts only. No fining, no filtration, and only a minimal addition of sulfur at bottling if the vintage demands it. Fermentation happens in concrete vats; the wines are bottled without manipulation to preserve the fresh, transparent fruit that defines the style.
The Wines
En Roue Libre and the Beaujolais Nouveau capture the region's joyful, fruit-forward character at its lightest. The Morgon, by contrast, shows the depth and structure that granite soils impart when farmed with this kind of patience. With 50-year-old vines and a refusal to add anything unnecessary, Thibault's Morgon belongs in the same conversation as the cru's most celebrated producers.
