Jo Pithon became a true star and pioneer of natural winemaking when he launched Domaine Pithon-Paillé back in 1978. At a time when such things were almost unheard of in the Loire Valley, his vineyards focused entirely on low intervention, organic and biodynamic principles. The first to champion living soils, he modelled his winemaking after Burgundian methods, using single parcel selections and barrel aging, boldly producing dry whites in a region dominantly know for sweet dessert wines. After 40 years of winemaking, Jo was looking forward to retirement and sold his 22 hectare estate to his successor Ivan Massonat, a businessman and long-time wine enthusiast who now proudly continues Jo’s legacy under the Grololo & Co label, crafting artisan wines with quality, authenticity and deep respect for nature.

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