La Grange aux Belles

La Grange aux Belles was one of the first wineries I had the chance to work with when I started my importing journey in late 2019. But due to an exclusivity agreement with a fellow importer in England, I had to pause the collaboration. So I was thrilled when Marc Houtin and I reconnected in 2024 and agreed to team up again.

Marc’s the heart behind La Grange aux Belles. Formerly, a geologist at Total, he made a radical life change after discovering Léon Barral and his wines in the 90's. From there, he went on to study oenology in Toulouse and picked up hands-on experience through various internships, including a pretty iconic one at Château d’Yquem.

In 2004, he made the move to Anjou and bought 12 hectares of vines in Soulaines-sur-Aubance. At first, most of the grapes went to the local coop, but Marc started making wine from a few parcels himself. That same year, he met Julien Bresteau, who was interning nearby and would pop in to lend a hand. It became clear they needed to team up, so in 2008, they officially joined forces and launched Domaine de la Grange aux Belles. In the same year, Gérald Peau, also known as "Jesse" -
first bartender at the iconic "Cercle Rouge" in Angers joined the adventure.

La Grange aux Belles has made a name for itself and is now one of the standout labels in the natural wine world. These days, Julien has taken different paths, but Marc and Gérald continue the journey with 15 hectares of vines, certified organic since 2011 and farmed using biodynamic methods, spread across five communes in the Coteaux de l’Aubance AOC. With Caroline, now on board as their new partner, one thing’s for sure, they aren't slowing down when it comes to delivering some of the best value wines in Anjou.