Jonathan Maunoury is increasingly recognized as one of the Loire Valley’s most exciting new natural winemakers, drawing from an impressive background and diverse experiences. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry and a decade of work in high tech, Jonathan changed career paths to indulge a passion for wine. He attended wine school in Beaune, further honing his skills through internships in Burgundy, Champagne, and the Rhône Valley.
In 2017, Jonathan acquired a 5-hectare vineyard southwest of Saumur, situated in the Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame AOP, known locally as “Le Puy.” This tiny appellation, established in 2009, is celebrated for its exceptional terroir. Nestled on the highest elevations in Saumur and protected by the Massif des Mauges mountain range to the west, Le Puy benefits from a subsoil rich in tuffeau and is mostly shielded from frost. These unique conditions have made it a magnet for young and dynamic winemakers like Jonathan. Jonathan farms local varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Pineau d’Aunis, and Grolleau, as well as Chardonnay.
Upon acquiring his vineyard, which had been organically farmed for 20 years, Jonathan immediately transitioned it to biodynamic viticulture, quickly earning full certification. His approach to winemaking is resolutely non-interventionist and natural, a philosophy deeply influenced by his scientific background and the low-intervention techniques he learned from his mentor, Pierre Overnoy. Jonathan’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every bottle, which is produced without fining or filtration and undergoes extended aging in both barrel and bottle for stability.
