Thibaud Boudignon

Domaine Thibaud Boudignon

France – Loire Valley | Savennières

Outstandingly individual wines

Thibaud Boudignon is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and passionate vignerons in the Loire Valley. His domaine spans 7 hectares, with 5 hectares in Savennières and 2 in Anjou, all cultivated biodynamically for optimal terroir expression. Dedicated to preserving Loire Valley wine traditions while innovating his craft, Thibaud replanted most of his vineyard through massal selection, using the guyot-poussard training method to enhance vine health and resilience.

In keeping with his meticulous approach, Thibaud is among the last vignerons to harvest each season, ensuring the grapes reach full maturity before picking. This careful timing allows for balanced, complex wines. When the harvest begins, over 30 workers gather to pick quickly and efficiently, maintaining quality control. Grapes are hand-sorted to ensure only premium fruit moves forward in the winemaking process.

Following harvest, the grapes are gently pressed, and the juice flows by gravity into stainless steel (inox) tanks. Thibaud uses only indigenous yeasts, which reflect the vineyard’s unique microflora and produce wines of distinctive character. Fermentation and aging take place in a blend of inox tanks and various oak barrels, including 600L demi-muids, 320L “cigars,” 350L barriques, and lightly toasted Austrian Stockingers. This thoughtful choice of barrels contributes subtle complexity and nuance without overpowering the wine’s natural flavors.

Thibaud avoids malolactic fermentation, preserving each wine’s bright acidity and freshness. After up to 12 months of aging in oak, the wine is transferred back to inox tanks before bottling. This final step ensures clarity and purity, highlighting the exceptional quality of Thibaud Boudignon’s wines.

Thibaud Boudignon’s biodynamic practices, commitment to traditional yet innovative methods, and dedication to quality have made him a standout in Loire Valley winemaking, crafting wines that reflect both his passion and the essence of the terroir.