Sylvain Leest, Loire Valley

Sylvain Leest became a grower in the Loire Valley in 2013 after 8 years working in the industry. From working in prestigious vineyards in Burgundy to large scale farm cropping, Leest was exposed to viticulture in all its forms. Over the course of these years, working amongst the grapes Leest became increasingly interested in minimal intervention natural wine making techniques.

Jumping at the opportunity to take up his own farm in 2013, Leest was enticed by the 14 different varieties planted in small parcels, including some rarer varietals from vines dating back more than 60 years. It was exactly what he was looking for: an opportunity to do several things in parallel – grow vines and other crops, keep farm animals, and manage the farming of his own fruit.

Since taking up the plots, Leest’s fruit has been used year after year by Les Capriards (an iconic sparkling wine producer) to make some of the most esteemed sparkling wine in the world.

Over the course of his farming Leest slowly kept more of the crop for himself and increasingly focussed on his own vinification. Today, using traditional techniques and attentive farming Leest makes precise, balanced wines – classic in style, clean, pure, and terroir-driven. Very, very good wines.

Sylvain's attention to detail is clear in his wines and his winemaking techniques. Everything is aged in fibreglass tanks for at least one year and then in bottle deep in his limestone cellar until he deems them ready to drink. 2018 is his current vintage which has seen the wines be rested in bottle for 3 years+ since bottling. When making wine without additions it is very important to rest the wines and let them find themselves and his wines are clear representations of that. Stable, pourable and utterly delicious. We are proud to share them with you today.