The Bet Pays Off at Clos de l’Elu

Thomas and Charlotte CARSIN are the winemakers at Clos de l’Elu in the Anjou Noir region. Captivated and inspired by the world of wine, this young couple took the plunge and embarked on this adventure. With determination, optimism, and a positive outlook, they have successfully pulled off a remarkable feat. Charlotte tells us their story.

Thomas and Charlotte are embarking on a winemaking adventure

Originally from Brittany, nothing suggested that Thomas and Charlotte would become winemakers. While helping with the harvest as a student in Burgundy, Thomas discovered the world of wine: that was the starting point of their adventure. He went to gain experience at a winery in California, honed his tasting skills in Paris, became a wine consultant in Champagne, and then learned the ins and outs of running a winery in Provence. Charlotte, for her part, studied and then worked in communications. “We imagined, perhaps one day, having our own estate. But we couldn’t see how we could acquire one,” confides the young winemaker.

“Yet as the years went by, ‘the idea really started to appeal to Thomas,’” Charlotte explains. After an initial attempt that didn’t pan out, the couple finally took the plunge: in 2007, they set their sights on the lovely Clos de L’Elu estate in the Loire Valley, in the Anjou Noir region. In January 2008, they were up and running as winemakers! Thomas took charge of production, and Charlotte supported him with communications and management. With the help of two employees, the winemakers set out immediately to reorient the estate. “We wanted to go organic, restructure the vineyard, and create a new range of wines,” says Charlotte. Without wasting any time, Thomas updated the working methods in the vineyards and the cellar, and immediately set about creating his first vintages.

“When you launch a project, you draw up a business plan. But you soon realize that things don’t always go as planned, and you have to rethink your strategy,” the winemaker points out. It took the young couple determination, willpower, a little help, but above all, a great deal of optimism and drive to overcome the initial challenges. “Little by little, we saw the estate transform. We had encouraging articles in the press, more and more orders, and our customer base grew.”

Le Clos de l’Elu offers wines of great finesse

“We want to make elegant, 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 the vinification or aging of his premium wines. “It’s a porous material that produces wines with a powerful profile—very crystalline and quite pure—without being overly influenced by the wood. The idea is to express the terroir as fully as possible,” Charlotte emphasizes.

In total, the Clos de l’Elu range includes 12 vintages. “We sometimes discontinue one. But Thomas is so curious that every year he conducts new experiments, which usually lead to new creations!” she says with a smile. Much to the delight of wine lovers, who never tire of discovering these gems from Anjou.

"Our mission: to produce the best using what nature provides."

The transition 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 respond and if we can successfully adopt these practices. So far, it’s been pretty impressive!” explains Charlotte. The winemaker wants to become more and more involved in the vineyard and is thinking about going back to school: “I love being outdoors, and I never cease to be amazed by working in close contact with nature.”

For Thomas and Charlotte, being winemakers is a great success. “It’s a wonderful profession because we get to do so many different things. There’s the farming work, the work in the cellar, and the sales work. We sell products that we’ve created ourselves—it’s very motivating. We meet so many fascinating people: other winemakers, customers, sommeliers, restaurant owners, and wine shop owners. They all have one thing in common: they’re wine lovers,” concludes the winemaker from Clos de l’Elu, enthusiastic and thoroughly won over.

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