Thevenet
Summary
Domaine Thevenet is a family-owned Burgundian estate in the Mâconnais region, managing 30 hectares of primarily Chardonnay vineyards around Viré-Clessé, where old vines grow on limestone and clay soils with favorable south-facing exposures. The Thevenet family maintains traditional winemaking practices including hand-harvesting, indigenous yeast fermentation, and extended lees aging with minimal oak influence, prioritizing authentic terroir expression over expansion or modernization.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Thevenet was established by Jean-Claude Thevenet in the Mâconnais region of southern Burgundy in the mid-20th century. Based in the village of Quintaine near Clessé, the estate has remained a family enterprise across multiple generations. Jean-Claude played a significant role in building the domaine's reputation during the 1970s and 1980s, establishing it as a respected producer in the region.
Following Jean-Claude Thevenet's passing in 2008, leadership transitioned to his sons, with Gautier Thevenet and Jean-Claude Jr. taking over the estate's operations. Today, Gautier Thevenet serves as the primary manager of the domaine. The Thevenet family maintains complete ownership of the estate, continuing their tradition of family stewardship without corporate involvement.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Thevenet's vineyard holdings, approximately 30 hectares in total, are situated primarily in the Mâconnais region of Burgundy, with a concentration around the villages of Clessé and Viré. The estate possesses parcels within the Viré-Clessé appellation, which was officially established in 1999. Many of their vineyards feature old vines, some exceeding 50 years in age, planted on the limestone and clay soils characteristic of the region. The vineyards include south and southeast-facing slopes that provide favorable conditions for grape ripening.
Chardonnay forms the cornerstone of Domaine Thevenet's production, aligning with the white wine tradition of the Mâconnais. Their portfolio includes wines from the Mâcon-Villages and Viré-Clessé appellations, with the Domaine Thevenet & Fils Viré-Clessé "Tradition" serving as a principal offering. The estate also produces a limited quantity of red wines, primarily from Gamay and possibly Pinot Noir. The wines are recognized for their minerality, balanced acidity, and expression of the local terroir. All Viré-Clessé wines carry the official Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Thevenet adheres to traditional winemaking methods with minimal intervention, reflecting their commitment to authentic wine production. Quality begins in the vineyard with hand-harvesting of grapes, allowing for careful selection of fruit. The winemaking process incorporates indigenous yeasts for fermentation, maintaining connection to the estate's terroir.
The aging of wines takes place in a combination of stainless steel tanks and older oak barrels, avoiding excessive new oak influence that might overshadow the wine's natural character. The domaine employs limited filtration techniques to preserve the wines' inherent qualities. For their white wines, extended lees aging contributes additional complexity to the finished product.
In their vineyard management, the estate implements sustainable viticulture practices with some organic farming methods. This approach reflects their philosophy of responsible stewardship of the land while producing wines that authentically represent their Mâconnais origins.