Few people know that, in addition to Burgundy, Thibault has also established himself in some of Beaujolais’ finest vineyards, since 2009. Here, he works with a further 14 hectares of vines, producing only matured, single-vineyard Gamays, staying well clear of the nouveau style. His approach, much like with his Burgundian wines, is meticulously hip and deeply intuitive.

Les Vieilles Vignes is the emblematic wine of Thibault’s Beaujolais estate, bringing together nearly half of his holdings in the region. It comes from nine parcels covering a total of 7 hectares, planted exclusively with old Gamay vines dating from 1910 to 1955.

In the soil, white and pink hues intermingle, with quartz and pink granite forming the mineral-rich bedrock beneath a thin top layer. The appellation takes its name from the 15th-century windmill standing among the vines, which also signifies that the conditions in these vineyards are ideal for organic cultivation. Air constantly moves through the vineyard, whereby a cool northern wind ventilates the foliage. Both the grape variety and the granitic soil contribute to the fact that Cru Beaujolais wines are always a bit more structured and powerful compared to a classic, slender Pinot Noir. That holds true here as well: the Vieilles Vignes is mineral-driven and vibrant, with aromas of dried flowers, black berry fruit and subtle spices.