Julien Rousselot

Des Jus et du Lien (Anjou)

Julien’s background is rooted in the socio-cultural sector rather than traditional viticulture. Before making wine, he worked as an animator for Accueil Paysan (a network promoting rural hospitality) and managed a riverside wine bar, La Belle Excuse, in Souzay-Champigny.

In 2018, seeking independence and a closer connection to the land, he moved to the Layon valley. He spent his early years training alongside local vignerons to master the craft before launching his first vintage in 2019.

Philosophy & Winemaking

The name of the estate reflects Julien's belief that wine should create "lien" (bonds) between people. His approach is deeply artisanal:

• Conviviality: He crafts "vins de copains" (wines for friends) that are approachable and joyful, yet often possess a surprising depth and transparency of terroir.

• Minimalist Cellar Work: Julien avoids additives entirely. Fermentations are spontaneous with indigenous yeasts, and he works primarily without added sulfur (or uses trace amounts only at bottling if absolutely necessary).

• Transparency: His wines are unfiltered and unfined, aiming to keep the "life" of the juice intact from the vineyard to the glass.

Technical Profile

Terroir and Vineyard Management Julien farms approximately 3 to 4 hectares of vines in Rablay-sur-Layon (Anjou). The vineyard is composed of the region's classic Schist (Anjou Noir) along with patches of sand and sandstone. He practices Organic Farming (certified by Certipaq Bio) and incorporates biodynamic principles to ensure the health of the soil and local biodiversity.

Varietals and Vinification The estate features a diverse range of Loire staples: Chenin Blanc, Grolleau, Grolleau Gris, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the cellar, Julien uses a variety of vessels, including stainless steel for freshness and old wooden barrels for longer aging and texture. His white wines often undergo short periods of skin maceration (orange wine style) to add structure and aromatic complexity.

Notable Cuvées

• Bigarade: A skin-contact (orange) Chenin Blanc, often macerated for about 10 days, known for notes of bitter orange peel and spices.

• Accolade: A pure, expressive Chenin Blanc that balances mineral tension with ripe fruit.

• Sur Le Pouce: A fresh, fruit-forward red (typically Cabernet Franc) designed for easy drinking and immediate pleasure.

• Papi Jean: A red blend (often featuring Cabernet Sauvignon) that strikes a balance between "glou-glou" drinkability and structured tannins.

Contact Information

• Location: 13 Rue St Vincent, Rablay-sur-Layon, 49750 Bellevigne-en-Layon, France

• Phone: +33 (0)7 51 67 50 13

• Email: vouvvekjd2@yahoo.fr

• Trade Inquiries: Julien is a regular participant in the En Joue Connection and Les Anonymes wine fairs in Angers.