Maison En Belles Lies is a biodynamic winery founded in 2002 by Pierre Fenals in Saint-Aubin, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France. Pierre, a former Parisian chemist and fashion industry professional, transitioned to winemaking at 52 after discovering Rudolf Steiner’s biodynamic principles at a flea market. The domaine farms ~7 hectares, of owned and rented vineyards across Saint-Aubin, Maranges, Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Santenay, Monthelie, Aloxe-Corton, and Corton (including Grand Cru Le Corton and Corton-Charlemagne). Certified organic and biodynamic, they produce ~5,000–8,000 bottles annually of Chardonnay, Aligoté, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and blends, labeled as Bourgogne, Vin de France, and village/cru AOCs. Known for minimal intervention, no added sulfites, and innovative cuvées (e.g., L’Étrange, Ambleaux), their wines are vibrant, terroir-driven, and sought after, with 60–80% exported to Europe, the US, and Japan. Pierre’s training with biodynamic pioneers like Emmanuel Giboulot, Trapet, and Lapierre shapes his holistic approach.

Winemaking Philosophy

• Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture: Certified organic and biodynamic, with 40–90-year-old vines (25–30 hl/ha yields) on clay-limestone, sandy-silt, and stony soils (e.g., Meursault, Corton). No synthetic chemicals; only volcanic sulfur, natural copper, and herbal teas (e.g., nettle, horsetail) are used, following Steiner’s principles. Vineyards are hand-harvested, with minimal plowing to control grass and enhance biodiversity (e.g., polyculture, lunar calendar). Plots like Corton-Charlemagne (0.16 ha) and Maranges 1er Cru feature old vines (60–90 years) on steep, limestone-rich slopes.

• Natural Winemaking: Zero-intervention cellar in Saint-Aubin. Reds (Pinot Noir, Gamay, L’Étrange, Corton Les Perrières, Aloxe-Corton) use 100% whole-cluster fermentation in open oak vats (10–30 days, foot-trodden), with spontaneous fermentation via indigenous yeasts. Aging lasts 10–20 months in neutral barriques (228L, 5–15 years old) on lees, with no bâtonnage, fining, or filtration. Whites (Chardonnay, Aligoté, Bourgogne Blanc, Ambleaux) are direct-pressed, fermented in stainless steel, old oak, or amphorae (6–26 months for Ambleaux orange wine), and aged 14–16 months on lees. Minimal SO₂ (0–15 mg/L) is used at bottling for some cuvées (e.g., Bourgogne Blanc). Harvest and pressing follow lunar cycles (waxing to waning moon). Wines are crystal-clear, expressive, with rustic charm.

• Grape Varieties and Cuvées:

  • Whites: Chardonnay (Bourgogne Blanc 2022, $48, 4.0/200, Meursault plots, creamy, toasty), Aligoté (Bourgogne Aligoté, citrus, mineral), Chardonnay/Aligoté (Ambleaux, orange wine, apricot, nutmeg).

  • Reds: Pinot Noir (Corton Les Perrières 2017, $100+, blackberry, violet, silky), Gamay (Beaujolais-Villages, $30, redcurrant, jammy), Gamay/Pinot Noir (L’Étrange 2019, $27–49, rustic, cherry, 4.0/150), Pinot Noir/Gamay/Chardonnay (Vin de France blends).

  • Notable: Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru (Chardonnay, rare, $150+), Maranges 1er Cru (Pinot Noir, age-worthy).

• Terroir: Clay-limestone soils in Saint-Aubin, Meursault, and Corton yield structured whites; limestone-clay in Maranges and Aloxe-Corton adds depth to reds. Hautes-Côtes de Beaune’s sandy-silt soils contribute freshness.

Background

• Founder: Pierre Fenals, born ~1950s in Algeria, studied organic chemistry and molecular biochemistry, then worked in pharmaceuticals and fashion in Paris. At 52, inspired by Steiner’s The Agricultural Course, he enrolled at Beaune’s oenological school (1990s), worked vineyards with Trapet, Lapierre, and Emmanuel Giboulot, and raised cows to learn biodynamics. In 2002, he bought 2.5 hectares in Maranges and Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, later expanding to 7 hectares,.

• Vision: To craft vibrant, authentic wines respecting nature’s cycles, free of chemicals, with minimal intervention. The name “En Belles Lies” (beautiful lees) honors 17th-century monks who rubbed barrels with lees for flavor, reflecting Pierre’s lees-focused aging.

• Scale: ~7 hectares, yield ~5,000–8,000 bottles across 10–15 cuvées. High demand limits availability; 60–80% exported (e.g., Zev Rovine Selections, US; Marée Haute, EU).