Château Thivin

Château Thivin: A Beaujolais Gem to Discover

Château Thivin is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic wineries in the Beaujolais region. With a rich history dating back to the 14th century, this estate is a living witness to ancestral know-how that has been perpetuated through the centuries. Wine enthusiasts can now discover and purchase these treasures directly online on 12bouteilles.com, a platform that brings prestigious wines from the best houses within easy reach.

History of Château Thivin

Château Thivin is one of the oldest estates in Beaujolais. Located on the slopes of Mont Brouilly, it is rooted in a rich history that dates back to the 14th century. However, it was at the beginning of the 20th century that the estate experienced a decisive turning point. In 1877, Zaccharie Geoffray purchased the château and the surrounding vineyard. His son, Claude Geoffray, then took over the estate and worked passionately to elevate Château Thivin to a benchmark in the Côte de Brouilly appellation.

Since then, the estate has remained in the Geoffray family, now led by Claude-Edouard Geoffray, the sixth generation at the helm of the vineyard. The family heritage is deeply rooted in the estate's philosophy, where tradition and innovation harmoniously coexist to produce exceptional wines while respecting the environment.

The Terroirs of Château Thivin

Château Thivin is above all a story of terroir. The estate is primarily located on the slopes of Mont Brouilly, a volcanic hill that imparts a unique minerality to the wines. The soil is composed of blue granite and schist, essential elements that give Côte de Brouilly wines their distinct character.

This particular terroir allows Gamay, the region's king grape variety, to fully express its finesse and complexity. Thanks to the southeast orientation of the vines and their altitude, the grapes benefit from optimal sunlight, allowing for homogeneous ripening of the clusters and concentration of aromas.

The Wines of Château Thivin

Château Thivin is best known for its wines from the Côte de Brouilly appellation, but the estate also produces wines in other Beaujolais appellations. Among the most emblematic cuvées are:

• Côte de Brouilly "Les Sept Vignes": A powerful and structured wine, made from different plots of the estate, each contributing uniquely to the blend.
• Côte de Brouilly "La Chapelle": A single-vineyard cuvée located near the small chapel of Mont Brouilly. This wine stands out for its finesse and elegance, with floral notes and beautiful minerality.
• Brouilly "Reverdon": A lighter, fruity, and round wine from a plot located on deeper granitic soils.
• Beaujolais Blanc: A rarity at Château Thivin, produced from Chardonnay, offering aromas of white fruits and lovely freshness.

These wines, each in their own way, are the pure expression of the terroir and the estate's winemaking expertise.

Grape Varieties and Blends

The main grape variety cultivated at Château Thivin is Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, a typical variety of the Beaujolais region. It is characterized by aromas of red fruits (cherry, strawberry, raspberry) and a supple palate, with a natural acidity that makes it pleasant to drink young but capable of aging gracefully.

Château Thivin also cultivates a small amount of Chardonnay for the production of its Beaujolais Blanc. This grape variety, well-known in Burgundy, expresses here a lovely freshness and minerality due to the region's granitic soils.

In terms of blending, Château Thivin prefers to highlight the purity of the Gamay grape, meaning that the cuvées are generally single-varietal, allowing full expression of the terroir and the fruit.

Winemaking Techniques at Château Thivin

Château Thivin adopts a winemaking approach that combines tradition and modernity. Harvesting is done by hand, a choice that preserves the integrity of the grapes and allows only the ripest and healthiest clusters to be selected. This also helps minimize oxidation of the grapes before fermentation.

The grapes are then vinified whole cluster, a traditional method in Beaujolais. This technique, which involves fermenting the berries with their stems, allows for the extraction of fruity aromas and fine tannic structure, characteristic of Château Thivin's wines.

Fermentation takes place in open vats, allowing optimal temperature control. After fermentation, the wines are aged in oak foudres, which provide structure while respecting the fruit and freshness of the aromas. The estate focuses on long aging, sometimes up to 12 months, to offer more complex and elegant wines.

Food and Wine Pairings with Château Thivin

Château Thivin's wines are versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some food and wine pairing suggestions to enhance these cuvées:

• Côte de Brouilly "Les Sept Vignes": With its structured character and dark fruit aromas, it pairs perfectly with grilled red meat, leg of lamb, or a platter of aged cheeses like Saint-Nectaire.
• Côte de Brouilly "La Chapelle": More delicate and floral, it marries wonderfully with roasted poultry, mushroom risotto, or fish in sauce.
• Brouilly "Reverdon": With its fruity notes and roundness, it is ideal for lighter dishes like country terrine, lentil salad, or fine charcuterie.
• Beaujolais Blanc: This fresh and mineral wine is an excellent companion for seafood, grilled fish, or fresh goat cheese.

Awards Received by Château Thivin

Château Thivin enjoys international recognition thanks to the exceptional quality of its wines. It has received numerous awards over the years, both in national competitions and specialized publications.

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate has repeatedly awarded high scores to Château Thivin's cuvées, praising the complexity and longevity of the wines.
• Wine Spectator has also highlighted the Côte de Brouilly cuvées for their perfect balance between fruit, minerality, and tannic structure.
• Nationally, the Guide Hachette des Vins has regularly selected the estate's cuvées, awarding stars and favorites.

These awards are just part of the recognition the estate receives for its commitment to excellence.

Buying Château Thivin Wines Online at 12bouteilles.com

If you wish to discover or rediscover Château Thivin's wines, it is now possible to purchase them directly online at 12bouteilles.com. This site offers an exclusive selection of the estate's best cuvées, delivered directly to your home. Whether for a tasting with friends, a gift, or to enrich your cellar, 12bouteilles.com guarantees you a simple and secure shopping experience.

FAQ about Château Thivin

What is the history of Château Thivin? Château Thivin is a family estate located in Beaujolais, with a history dating back to the 14th century. It is currently run by the sixth generation of the Geoffray family.

What grape varieties are used at Château Thivin? The main grape variety is Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, typical of Beaujolais, with a small production of Chardonnay for the Beaujolais Blanc.

How are Château Thivin's wines characterized? Château Thivin's wines are recognized for their structure, finesse, and mineral expression, thanks to the volcanic soils of Mont Brouilly.

What are the main food pairings with Château Thivin's wines? Château Thivin's wines pair well with red meats, poultry, fish in sauce, and aged cheeses.

How can I purchase Château Thivin's wines? Château Thivin's wines are available for purchase online at 12bouteilles.com, where a selection of the best cuvées is offered.

What are the estate's emblematic wines? The cuvées "Les Sept Vignes" and "La Chapelle" in Côte de Brouilly are among the most emblematic, each representing the estate's excellence.

Conclusion

Château Thivin embodies the excellence of the Beaujolais terroir and the family know-how passed down through generations. Its wines, whether Côte de Brouilly or other cuvées, reflect a preserved nature and viticulture respectful of traditions. Now, these exceptional wines are accessible online at 12bouteilles.com, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to taste and enjoy high-quality cuvées directly at home.