WINES BY BARIOU-BODET

THE STORY

Jennifer Bariou and Thibaut Bodet started their domaine in 2015 in Azay-le-Rideau, in the heart of the Loire Valley. After gaining experience in wineries abroad, they settled in the region with around two and a half hectares and gradually expanded the estate to roughly eight hectares.

Today, their vineyards are spread between Cheillé, Lignières-de-Touraine and Azay-le-Rideau, giving them access to a broad mix of sites, vine ages and exposures.

THE VINEYARDS

The vineyards are varied, with soils ranging from clay and flint to sand, quartz and stony clay. Some parcels are planted with vines between thirty and ninety years old.

Jennifer and Thibaut work with Chenin Blanc, Grolleau, Gamay, Côt, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Sheep also graze between the rows, helping manage vegetation and forming part of the couple’s broader approach to farming the land.

IN THE CELLAR

Fermentations begin naturally with native yeasts, while the cellar work remains patient and restrained. Stainless steel and neutral wooden vessels are used depending on the cuvée, with many wines spending time ageing on the lees.

Fining and filtration are generally avoided, and additions are kept to a minimum. The result is a fresh and expressive range that moves between still and sparkling wines while reflecting the different vineyard sites around Azay-le-Rideau.