The team

Charlotte et Thomas Carsin, vignerons

THOMAS

While grape picking as a student in Burgundy, Thomas discovered his desire to be a winemaker. During his studies in tropical agronomy he chose to specialise in wine. Two long work placements in California taught him a great deal about terroir and vinification on a small vineyard in Sonoma valley.

Once graduated, Thomas continued to deepen his understanding of the world of wine and wine tasting by working as a wine seller in a Paris boutique. After this he found a job in Champagne as a viticulture consultant, and stayed there for 5 years. Time for him to learn more about winegrowing empiricism, the language of the vines and master the idea of terroir. However, this time would also lead to a rejection of an over-engineered wine industry. In Provence, in the county of Var, Thomas returned to winemaking while running a winery and at the same time continuing as a consultant for a firm that managed some of Provence's finest vineyards.

In 2008, his dream of having his own winery came true with the acquisition of Clos de l'Élu, in the heart of the Layon valley. Knowing that great wine begins in the vineyard, Thomas uses all his knowledge, experience and intuition to create a range of new wines.

CHARLOTTE

After a solid experience working in communication, Charlotte now works at Thomas's side in their adventure at Clos de l'Élu. Her technical knowledge comes first of all from her interest in pairing wine with gourmet food. She learns the rest from her husband/teacher who has entrusted Charlotte with her very own wine: Espérance.

As well as the administration of the winery, Charlotte works in sales, and manages the marketing of the winery: brand image, packaging, events, and communication methods; but manages to leave time to get out into the vineyards and work in the cellar!

JEAN-PIERRE

For more than 25 years Jean-Pierre has maintained the health and upkeep of the vineyards of Clos de l’Élu. Whether in his tractor or his boots, he knows every nook and cranny of the different plots, even each vine. Energetic and curious, he has been able to adapt to the new rigours of organic winemaking and follows with great interest the new direction of the winery. He works as a vineyard supervisor and assists in the winemaking process. Discreet and rigourous, he is a pillar of the winery.

FLORENT

Florent began his studies in winemaking in 2019 as an apprenticeship (part-time at school, part-time in business). Very professional in the vineyard and passionate, he is a very funny guy and everyone appreciates his good humor at work!

PROSPER

Like Florent, Prosper is a student. During his last year in high school, he came to work with us for a week to discover our profession. It was a revelation! He joined the team in September 2020.