Thomas Popy

History of Thomas Popy  

Thomas Popy, originally from the Beaujolais, began his winemaking adventure in 2015 after gaining rich experience alongside great winemakers such as Jean-Claude Lapalu, Michel Guignier and Pierre Overnoy. Passionate about natural wine, he chose the Jura as his home, drawn by the richness of the terroirs and the warm welcome of the local winemakers. From the very beginning, he set himself apart through his meticulous approach and his respect for traditional methods. He settled in Mesnay in 2017, where he crafts his first cuvées in a vaulted cellar beneath his house.

Thomas Popy's choice to settle in the Jura is guided not only by the beauty of the region, but also by the support and mutual assistance of the local winemaking community. His philosophy is built on limited production, organic practices and a deep respect for the natural rhythm of wine. This translates into wines of great elegance, where each cuvée reflects both the personality of the winemaker and the specific characteristics of the Jura terroirs.

Terroirs and Vines of Thomas Popy

Thomas Popy's vines today extend over approximately 2 hectares, with plots located principally in Mesnay and Pupillin. Among his emblematic vineyard sites, one finds the plot "Sous la Roche Maldru", characterised by calcareous scree and marl, a fresh soil ideal for producing precise and vibrant wines. The climate of this plot, with its late sunshine and forest influences, allows Thomas to harvest his grapes at perfect ripeness.

The estate cultivates grape varieties typical of the Jura, notably Chardonnay, Savagnin and Trousseau. One of the distinctive features of its vines is the local sub-variety of Chardonnay, the "Melon à Queue Rouge", known for its small, concentrated berries and loose clusters. This ancient variety, cultivated on steep slopes, lends Popy's wines a remarkable concentration and complexity.

Winemaking at Thomas Popy

Thomas Popy practises natural winemaking, without the use of industrial yeasts or the addition of sulphites. He favours a slow and meticulous process, with fermentations that unfold naturally and extended ageing in barrel, often lasting two to four years, allowing the wines to reach their full potential. The manual press of 8 hectolitres that he uses preserves all the finesse and authenticity of the fruit.

The juices are generally lightly settled before being transferred into barrels by gravity. This gentle method yields wines of fine aromatic purity, without aggressive intervention. The cuvées age in oak barrels, sometimes demi-muids, to provide just the right amount of structure without masking the identity of the terroir. Each step is carefully considered to respect the integrity of the grape and to sublimate the natural characteristics of the wine.

The cuvées of Thomas Popy

Thomas Popy's cuvées reflect the pure expression of his terroir and the richness of the local grape varieties. Among them, discover:

Ryôkan - Chardonnay Melon à Queue Rouge

Sous la Roche Maldru - Savagnin 

Sous la Roche du Feu - Chardonnay

Clos Bareth - Trousseau

Le Rouge de Champavant - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Seibel Mille

Les Corvées 

Vignysa - Pinot noir, Poulsard, Chardonnay, Savagnin

Les Nouvelles - Chardonnay and Savagnin

Lovers of Jura wines will find mythical vintages from this region at Thomas Popy's. Here is a list of particularly interesting vintages for Jura wines: 2023, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2000…

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Thomas Popy embodies the very essence of artisanal winemaking in the Jura. With a limited production and a meticulous approach, he produces wines that stand out for their purity, energy and longevity. The estate's cuvées are true treasures, whether white or red, and they will delight lovers of natural wines in search of authenticity and finesse.