Julien Bresteau

is a well-known figure in the natural wine scene of the Anjou region in the Loire Valley. His journey is a testament to the power of passion and the desire for independence. After gaining extensive experience working alongside Marc Houtin at the renowned Domaine La Grange aux Belles, Julien decided to forge his own path. In 2023, he launched his own project, a high-quality négociant business, rather than a traditional domaine with his own vineyards.

A Philosophy of Precision and Purity

Julien's philosophy is rooted in a deep understanding of viticulture and a commitment to crafting pure, vibrant wines. His approach as a négociant is meticulous and demanding, focusing on quality above all else.

  • Exacting Sourcing: While he doesn't own vineyards, Julien works exclusively with a single, trusted organic grower. He has dedicated parcels of Chenin Blanc and other grapes, and he directs the viticultural practices to ensure the quality meets his high standards.

  • Hands-on Control: He is personally involved in every step, from directing the farming to hand-harvesting the grapes in crates to vinifying and aging the wines in his own cellar.

  • Low Intervention: Julien's winemaking is a direct expression of his desire for clean, digestible wines. He uses native yeasts for fermentation and avoids adding sulfur, unless it's absolutely necessary. He also experiments with different pressing stages and short macerations to add character to his wines.

The Vineyards and Terroir

Julien's grapes come from a specific partner vineyard that he oversees with great care.

  • Location: The vineyards are located in the Anjou region of the Loire Valley, near the village of Saint-Lambert du Lattay.

  • Grape Varieties: His focus is on Chenin Blanc, a signature grape of the Loire, but he also works with other varieties to create his red and white blends.

  • Terroir: The soils are typically a mix of schist and other local materials, which give his Chenin Blanc its distinctive mineral and fresh character.

Winemaking and Process

Julien's winemaking is a blend of traditional methods and his own creative intuition.

  • Harvest & Pressing: Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted. He uses a direct press for his white wines and experiments with brief pre-fermentation macerations to build texture and flavor.

  • Aging: The wines are aged for several months in various vessels, including old barrels, to develop complexity and natural stability.

  • Bottling: He bottles his wines unfined and unfiltered, preserving their natural vitality and a clear expression of the fruit.

Signature Wines to Discover

Julien's wines are known for their precision, honesty, and memorable names that often have a playful, inside-joke quality.

  • Bon Bah les Gars Bah c'est Bien ("Well, Guys, That's Good"): An easy-drinking, vibrant wine that lives up to its name.

  • Qui ? Ricou ("Who? Ricou"): A pure Chenin Blanc that showcases his meticulous work and the potential of the terroir.

Visit & Connect

As a micro-négociant, Julien Bresteau doesn't have a traditional public-facing domaine. His cellar is a private workspace. The best way to experience his wines is to seek them out at specialized natural wine shops and bars.