The gamble paid off at Clos de l'Elu.

Thomas and Charlotte Carsin are the winemakers of Clos de l'Elu in the Anjou Noir region. This young couple, captivated and enchanted by the world of wine, took the plunge and embarked on this adventure. With determination, optimism, and a philosophical outlook, they have succeeded in a remarkable undertaking. Charlotte tells us their story.

Thomas and Charlotte embark on the winemaking adventure

Originally from Brittany, nothing predestined Thomas and Charlotte to become winemakers. During a student grape harvest in Burgundy, Thomas discovered the world of wine: this was the starting point of their adventure. He went to hone his skills at an estate in California, refined his tasting in Paris, became a wine consultant in Champagne , and then discovered vineyard management in Provence. Charlotte, for her part, studied and then worked in communications. " We imagined, perhaps one day, having our own estate. But we didn't see how we could acquire one ," confides the young winemaker.

However, as the years went by, " the idea started to seriously appeal to Thomas ," says Charlotte. After an initial attempt that didn't pan out, the couple finally took the plunge: in 2007, their sights were set on the beautiful Clos de L'Elu estate in the Loire Valley, in the Anjou Noir region . In January 2008, they were established as winemakers! Thomas took charge of production, and Charlotte assisted him with communication and management. With two employees, the winemakers immediately wanted to reorient the estate. " We wanted to convert to organic farming, restructure the vineyard, and create a new range of wines ," explains Charlotte. Without wasting any time, Thomas updated the working methods in the vineyards and the cellar, and promptly created his first vintages.

“ When you start a project, you build a business plan. But you quickly realize that things aren’t necessarily going as planned, and you have to go back to the drawing board, ” the winemaker points out. The young couple needed determination, willpower, a little help, but above all, a lot of optimism and enthusiasm to overcome the initial difficulties. “Little by little, we saw the estate transform. We had encouraging articles in the press, more and more orders, and our customer base grew .”

Clos de l'Elu offers wines of great finesse.

“ We want to make elegant and refined wines. Our wines are meant to enhance the dishes they accompany, ” explains Charlotte. Thomas isn’t afraid to think outside the box, for example, by using amphorae for vinification or aging his top-of-the-range cuvées. “ It’s a porous material that allows us to obtain powerful, very crystalline, and quite pure wines without being overly oaked. The idea is to express the terroir as much as possible ,” Charlotte emphasizes.

In total, the Clos de l'Elu range comprises 12 cuvées . " We sometimes discontinue one. But Thomas is so inquisitive that every year he conducts new experiments, which most often lead to new creations!" she says with amusement. Much to the delight of wine lovers who never tire of discovering these gems of Anjou.

"Our job: to produce the best with what nature gives us."

The conversion to organic farming began in 2010. “For the past few years, we’ve been interested in biodynamics . We’re waiting to see how the vines react and if we can adapt these practices. So far, it’s been quite amazing!” explains Charlotte. The winemaker wants to become increasingly involved in the vineyard and is considering further training: “I love being outdoors and am constantly amazed by working in close contact with nature.”

For Thomas and Charlotte, being winemakers is a great success. "It's a wonderful job because we're involved in so many things. There's the work of farmers, the work in the cellar, the sales work. We sell products that we've created, which is very motivating. We have very enriching encounters: other winemakers, customers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, wine merchants. With one thing in common: a love of wine," concludes the enthusiastic and captivated winemaker from Clos de l'Elu.

Manon Mouly (for Les Grappes)