In 2021, brothers Matthieu and Gaëtan Thevenard returned to their family estate in Uchizy, located just north of Mâcon. They are the fifth generation in their family to work the land, which had previously been dedicated to a cooperative. The brothers took control of 12 out of the domaine’s 24 hectares, with plans to eventually produce wine from the entire estate.
Matthieu Thevenard, who had long aspired to be a footballer and later a winemaker, is now 34 years old. Before joining the family business, he spent eight years as a winemaker at Maison Alex Gambal, while his wife works at Domaine de la Vougeraie. His commitment to wine is evident in his philosophy: “I want the best expression of terroir.” He emphasizes minimal intervention in the winemaking process, opting for natural fermentation, limited sulfites, and a focus on purity without heavy oak aging.
The Thevenard’s inaugural vintage in 2021 faced challenges, including significant frost damage and the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a loss of half their grapes. However, 2022 proved to be a fruitful year with plenty of sunshine, allowing them to initiate grape harvesting in mid-August.
The wines are aged in barrels, with a maximum of 15% new wood, and Matthieu emphasizes the importance of terroir in their work. This pursuit encompasses about 80% organic viticulture, using soil management instead of herbicides and only applying systemic fungicides when absolutely necessary.
Recently, the brothers expanded their holdings by purchasing two additional hectares in Chaintre, which they plan to utilize with the coop’s assistance for the next four years. This acquisition includes one hectare in Pouilly-Fuissé and a small plot in premier cru, sufficient for a single barrel.
Matthieu is optimistic about the future of the Mâconnais region, noting that a new generation of winemakers is committed to showcasing the terroir well. They have plans for growth, having produced 23,000 bottles in 2021 and doubling that number to 46,000 bottles in 2023.
The Wines
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Domaine Thevenard Mâcon-Villages 2022: Sourced from Farges-Le-Mâcon, this wine exhibits a mineral and spicy profile with bright citrus fruit, showing finesse and delicacy. Score: 92/100 (€13).
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Domaine Thevenard Mâcon-Chardonnay 2022: Combining old vines with younger ones, this wine offers a rich blend of pear and citrus, showcasing depth and finesse. Score: 94/100 (€15.50).
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Domaine Thevenard Mâcon-Uchizy Marguerite 2022: Named after their grandmother, this wine presents spiced citrus and pear notes with bright acidity and structure. Score: 94/100 (€15.50).
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Domaine Thevenard Mâcon-Lugny Les Genièvres 2022: With rocky limestone soils, this wine is fresh with citrus fruit and a fine chalky texture. Score: 94/100 (€17).
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Domaine Thevenard Mâcon-Uchizy La Martine 2022: Concentrated and intense, this wine blends citrus with spice, finished with a delicate richness. Score: 93/100 (€19).
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Domaine Thevenard Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes 2022: The oldest plot they have, yielding a refined wine with bright citrus and pear notes. Score: 94/100 (€23).
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Domaine Thevenard Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2022: A limited red wine showcasing elegant cherry and plum flavors, embodying finesse and texture. Score: 93/100 (€17).
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Domaine Thevenard Crémant de Bourgogne NV: Made from a single plot, this sparkling wine features bright citrus and complexity with balancing acidity. Score: 91/100 (€14).
The UK agent for Domaine Thevenard is Flint Wines.