Thibault Ducroux’s En Roue Libre is exactly the sort of Beaujolais that reminds you just how irresistible Gamay can be. Light, juicy and wonderfully energetic, it bursts with fresh raspberry, red cherry and wild strawberry, followed by pink peppercorn, delicate flowers and a gently herbal, savoury edge. There is no heavy extraction or noticeable oak here; instead, whole-bunch carbonic maceration keeps the fruit vivid and perfumed, while eight months in concrete on the fine lees gives the wine just enough texture and structure. Bright acidity and fine tannins make it exceptionally drinkable, particularly with a slight chill. It is a natural, low-intervention expression of Beaujolais, but one defined by purity rather than funkiness – crunchy, fragrant and full of life.
Thibault Ducroux En Roue Libre Beaujolais, Producer
Thibault Ducroux is based in Villié-Morgon, an area deeply connected with the development of natural wine in Beaujolais. The son of a winegrower, he learnt the basics in his father’s cellar before formally studying viticulture and oenology at St-Jean d’Ardières. His approach changed significantly after discovering the writings of Jules Chauvet, the Beaujolais chemist and winemaker whose ideas became hugely influential within the natural-wine movement.
Thibault went on to learn from growers including Jean-Claude Lapalu, Michel Guignier, Isabelle and Bruno Perraud, before working alongside Julien Sunier, where he developed his understanding of organic viticulture and low-intervention winemaking. His first wine was produced in 2019 from just 1.25 hectares of Beaujolais vines. Today, together with his brother Dimitri, he works around 10.5 hectares across Beaujolais, Morgon and Fleurie, producing approximately 40,000 bottles annually.
Thibault Ducroux En Roue Libre Beaujolais, Terroir & Winemaking
En Roue Libre comes from 40-year-old Gamay vines within the Beaujolais appellation. The producer’s current technical sheet describes the soils as clay-limestone, while earlier importer information refers to clay and silt – reflecting the mixed soils found across the parcels used for this cuvée. The vineyards are farmed according to organic agriculture standards and all grapes are harvested exclusively by hand.
The winemaking follows traditional Beaujolais methods but with a deliberately minimal-intervention philosophy. Whole bunches undergo carbonic maceration, with fermentation occurring naturally through indigenous yeasts rather than cultured yeast additions.
After fermentation, the wine spends approximately eight months on its fine lees in concrete tanks. Concrete allows the wine to develop and settle without introducing the flavour of oak, helping preserve Gamay’s bright fruit and floral character. It is then bottled without fining or filtration and receives only a very small sulphur addition when required.
Thibault Ducroux En Roue Libre Beaujolais, Tasting Notes
Bright ruby-red in the glass with the translucent appearance typical of youthful Gamay. The nose is immediately expressive, with raspberry, red cherry and wild strawberry joined by cherry blossom and a distinctive touch of pink peppercorn.
The palate is light to medium-bodied and wonderfully juicy. Crunchy red berries are carried by lively acidity, while whole-bunch fermentation introduces fine tannins and a subtle sappy quality. Herbal notes appear beneath the fruit, bringing a slightly savoury contrast to all that raspberry and cherry.
The finish remains fresh and energetic, with red fruit, pepper and delicate herbs lingering rather than weight or sweetness. It is soft enough to drink immediately, but there is just enough tannic grip to prevent it from feeling simplistic.
Thibault Ducroux En Roue Libre Beaujolais, Food pairing suggestion: Crispy Chicken Thighs with Dijon, Tarragon and Roasted Grapes
Did you know?
The name En Roue Libre translates roughly as “freewheeling” or being in neutral gear. It has a double meaning for Thibault: it refers both to his hands-off approach to winemaking and his passion for cycling. Before becoming a full-time winemaker, he even raced competitively for a cycling club and continues to ride around the hills of Beaujolais.
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