In contrast to the sandy soils that predominate further east in the appellation, the vineyards around Petit Thouars are clay-limestone-giving the red wines impressive potential for structure and complexity (much like those from Saumur-Champigny, in fact), as well as being particularly suited to producing outstanding Chenin Blanc. Sebastien and D'Arcy have been working toward fully organic viticulture, having eschewed the use of non-organic treatments except as an ultimate last resort (i.e., when a crop is on the line). The vineyards and cellar are managed by Michel Pinard, a born-and-bred Chinonnais who worked for many years as the right-hand-man of Charles Joguet-one of the appellation's most famous and respected vignerons. A true man of the land in both appearance and spirit, Michel uses his profound, bred-in-bone familiarity with the particularities of this cepage in these soils to craft beautifully balanced, classic, unforced Chinon of immense expressive power. His deeply-rooted mastery of craft marries wonderfully with Sebastien and D'Arcy's youthful zeal and vision.

The Chateau du Petit Thouars has an extraordinarily long and rich history. Built in the early 1500s as a sort of "low-key hunting lodge" (an amusing notion, given the house's immensity and grandeur) for a wealthy family from the town of Thouars (hence the name "Petit Thouars"), the 150-hectare estate is run today by Sebastien du Petit Thouars, the twelfth generation to dwell here since his ancestor George purchased the property in 1636. George was a diplomat for the famous Cardinal Richelieu, and the generations who followed him managed to survive several centuries of remarkably turbulent French history; one of Sebastien's forebears even fled the French Revolution and fought in the American Revolution.