Story
Bois Dieu
Lantignié · Beaujolais · France
Le Bois Dieu was founded by Salma Cassam Chenaï and Frédéric Thiry, who relocated to Semur-en-Brionnais in 2015 to rejuvenate an old agricultural estate and its plots of ancient Gamay vines. This area, situated an hour west of Macon on the eastern side of the Loire River, once boasted a 4000-hectare vineyard that fell into neglect following the phylloxera crisis, leading to a shift towards cattle farming. Despite the decline in wine production, the region’s minimal exposure to chemicals has preserved its soil quality, providing a superb terroir for winemakers like Salma and Frédéric. The couple met while travelling in Asia and developed an interest in natural wines after returning to Europe in 2002, inspired by encounters with Pierre Overnoy and other Jura winemakers. Both Salma and Frédéric, who practised law in Vaud, Switzerland, fell in love with Brionnais during weekend trips to Burgundy. Six years after moving to the region, they released their first wines in July 2021.
“They utilise carbonic and semi-carbonic maceration to produce wines with a primary fruit focus, a style they personally enjoy.”
Fermentation and ageing occur in stainless steel, foudre, and amphora, depending on the cuvée.
