Philippe Tessier

Cheverny, Loire Valley

The 23 hectares of Domaine Philippe Tessier were established in 1961 by Roger Tessier, and have been farmed by his son Phillippe under his eponymous label since 1981. Philippe is one of the most respected producers in this part of the Loire and has a long reputation for producing honest wines full of energy and life.

This is the edge of the wine growing area for the Loire Valley proper with a cool microclimate producing wines with tension and vibrancy. A combination of soil types that sit atop the limestone bedrock, ensure freshness and minerality is present in all the region’s wines.

Philippe’s vines benefit from biodiversity, encouraged by grassing in between the rows and strictly no chemical input. They have been certified organic since 1998 and Philippe treats the vineyards with the utmost respect; working the soil or treating according to the annual requirements of the vineyard not a recipe. He harvests exclusively by hand, rare in his part of the Loire.

To continue the same spirit used in the vineyards, minimal intervention is used in the winery with no added yeasts or sulphites during production. He ferments and ages his wines in a wide selection of vessels and materials and even has some Georgian kvevri installed in the winery; we knew we were in the right place when we spotted those in the cellar!

It is Philippe’s philosophy that his artisanal wines should give the drinker pleasure but also be healthy, alive and natural. Try a glass for yourself - the vibrancy and purity is evident in the glass!