Thierry Hesnault Pétillant Naturel 2022

Thierry Hesnault is a fascinating figure in the Loire Valley's natural wine movement. Originally from Touraine, Hesnault comes from a family of vignerons, which deeply influenced his approach to winemaking. Before returning to the Loire, he traveled extensively, working in vineyards around the world and honing his craft alongside renowned winemakers like Eric Nicolas and Jean-Pierre Robinot. In 2009, Hesnault embarked on his winemaking journey, focusing on tiny parcels of the oldest vines he could find, some over a century old.

Hesnault's approach to viticulture is grounded in a profound respect for nature. He maintains minimal intervention in the vineyard, using no chemical treatments, and focuses on harnessing the energy of his ancient vines. His parcels are scattered across the Sarthe region, where the soil composition—a complex mix of clay, iron, and silex—imparts a unique character to his wines.

In his cellar, a small cave carved into tuffeau limestone, Hesnault adheres to traditional methods that are deeply rooted in history. The cave, devoid of modern amenities, relies on natural gravity flow and the cool, stable environment of the tuffeau to guide the winemaking process. His whites, primarily Chenin Blanc, are pressed directly and aged in old barriques for up to two years without being topped up, fostering a slow and delicate evolution. His reds, including Pineau d'Aunis and Gamay, undergo whole-cluster fermentation with a gentle remontage, followed by aging in old barrels.

Hesnault's wines are made without fining, filtration, or added sulfur, resulting in pure, vibrant wines with remarkable aging potential. His approach reflects a deep commitment to expressing the terroir and the natural characteristics of the grape varieties he works with.

Thierry Hesnault is one of the Loire Valley's most discreet yet influential vignerons. His wines are highly regarded for their purity, complexity, and authenticity in expressing their origins. Although he keeps a low profile compared to some of his peers, the quality of his wines has earned him a devoted following among natural wine enthusiasts. Due to his small-scale production, his wines can be challenging to find, but collectors and connoisseurs highly seek after them.

The Loire Valley wine region in central France is renowned for its diverse range of wine styles, significantly influenced by its extensive geographic spread and the variable climates within its boundaries. This region, often called the "Garden of France," stretches over 800 kilometers from the Atlantic coast in the west to the center of France in the east, encompassing several distinct wine-producing areas along the Loire River.

The region produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc, with the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé particularly prestigious for their expressive, mineral-driven styles. Chenin Blanc is another key variety, central to the wines of Vouvray and Anjou, which are used to make everything from dry to sweet and even sparkling wines. Muscadet, near the Atlantic coast, focuses on the Melon de Bourgogne grape, producing crisp, saline wines that pair excellently with seafood.

In addition to white wines, the Loire Valley produces reds and rosés, primarily from Cabernet Franc. This grape thrives in the appellations of Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny, producing wines known for their floral aromas and crisp acidity. These wines often exhibit a characteristic freshness and are typically consumed young.

The region's climate varies from maritime in the west, which provides a cooling influence ideal for Muscadet, to a more continental climate in the east, which supports the ripening of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. This climatic variation, coupled with the diverse array of terroirs, from chalky limestone to flinty clay, allows the Loire Valley to produce wines that are both diverse and highly reflective of their specific locales.