Maison en Belles Lies

History of Maison En Belles Lies

The story of Maison En Belles Lies is that of a bold man, Pierre Fenals, who, at 52, decided to reinvent his life to embrace his passion for wine. Born in 1948 in Algiers, Pierre began his career in organic chemistry and molecular biochemistry, working for pharmaceutical laboratories near Paris, before turning to fashion and decoration alongside his wife. It was in the 1990s, during a chance discovery of a book by Rudolf Steiner at a Paris market, that his interest in biodynamics germinated. Fascinated by this holistic approach, he decided in 2002 to leave everything to enroll at the Beaune wine school.

For seven years, Pierre trained in the field, working as a vineyard worker with emblematic figures such as Jean-Louis Trapet, Marcel Lapierre, and Emmanuel Giboulot, a pioneer of biodynamics in Burgundy. In 2008, he acquired his first parcels in Maranges and the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. The following year, on September 9, 2009, he founded Maison En Belles Lies in Saint-Aubin, with financial support from friends. The estate's name, inspired by a 17th-century monastic practice of rubbing barrels with the lees from the previous year, symbolizes his attachment to traditions and the purity of wine. Today, at over 70 years old, Pierre Fenals continues to surprise with his mastery and modesty, exporting 90% of his production to demanding markets such as the United States and Japan.

Terroirs and Vines of Maison En Belles Lies

The vineyard of Maison En Belles Lies extends over 6 hectares, divided between the Côte de Beaune and Beaujolais. The 2.5 hectares owned, located around Saint-Aubin, Maranges, and the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, are complemented by 3.5 hectares of grapes purchased from winegrowers sharing the same biodynamic philosophy. The cultivated grape varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Aligoté – thrive on a mosaic of terroirs composed of marls, clays, limestones, and granites. Some vines, particularly in Beaujolais, reach 115 years old, while other parcels peak at nearly 400 meters altitude, conferring unique freshness and minerality to the wines.

Certified in Organic Agriculture by Ecocert, the estate is cultivated according to Rudolf Steiner's biodynamic principles. Pierre Fenals prepares his own herbal teas and plant-based concoctions, carefully applied to reinforce the vitality of the vines. Copper use is minimal, volcanic sulfur is favored, and occasional light plowing controls weeds while respecting the soils. Harvests, exclusively manual, are carried out in small 20-kilo crates to preserve the integrity of the grapes, thus guaranteeing impeccable raw material for vinification.

Vinifications at Maison En Belles Lies

At Maison En Belles Lies, vinification is a minimalist art, guided by respect for the fruit and terroir. Grapes are vinified with indigenous yeasts, without chaptalization, fining, or filtration, for a pure and authentic expression. Fermentations begin in tanks, often with whole clusters for reds, before aging in oak barrels (from 228 to 400 liters), in amphorae, or in ovoid tanks, depending on the cuvées. The aging periods, lasting 12 to 24 months, allow the wines to develop remarkable complexity, often on lees for whites.

Pierre Fenals scrupulously follows the lunar calendar for each step, from cultivation to bottling, performed by gravity to avoid disturbing the juices. Most cuvées are without added sulfites, although some receive a homeopathic dose (1 g/hL) at bottling to ensure stability. The result? Crystalline, vibrant, and deeply expressive wines that capture the essence of their terroirs without artifice. This natural approach, combined with scientific rigor inherited from his past as a chemist, makes the wines of Maison En Belles Lies essential references for natural wine enthusiasts.

The Cuvées of Maison En Belles Lies

Maison En Belles Lies offers a range of 12 cuvées, balanced between whites and reds, from prestigious Burgundy and Beaujolais appellations. Each wine is an invitation to discover the richness of the terroirs and Pierre Fenals' philosophy.

White Wines

Bourgogne Aligoté: From white limestone soils, this lively and mineral wine is vinified in tanks (30%) and Bordeaux barrels (70%) for 15 months. Spontaneous fermentation, unfiltered, and with minimal sulfites. Perfect for aperitifs or with seafood.

Bourgogne Blanc: A creamy and elegant Chardonnay, aged 15 months in 400-liter barrels. Without added sulfites, it offers a silky texture and notes of fresh butter, ideal with poultry dishes.

Monthélie: This Chardonnay, grown on white limestone, is aged 14 months in 350-liter barrels. Its vivacity and precision make it an ideal companion for grilled fish.

Santenay: From limestone and marl soils, this Chardonnay combines depth and freshness after 15 months of aging in barrels. Unfiltered, it captivates with its complexity and pairs with creamy dishes.

Corton-Charlemagne: A rare cuvée (2.5 barrels), from limestone and marl. Aged in 350-liter barrels, this grand cru offers exceptional tension and remarkable aging potential, perfect for great occasions.

Red Wines

L'Étrange: A unique blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Chardonnay, grown on limestone. Vinified in tanks, this playful and fresh wine is ideal for convivial meals.

Beaujolais-Villages: From century-old vines on granite, this juicy and crunchy Gamay is vinified with whole clusters, without sulfites. An immediate pleasure to share.

Hautes-Côtes de Beaune: This Pinot Noir, grown on red clay, is aged 18 months in barrels. Its elegant structure and red fruit aromas make it an excellent choice for grilled meats.

Maranges: From limestone and marl, this Pinot Noir is vinified in open tanks with a 4-week maceration, then aged 15 months in barrels. Fresh and dense, it accompanies rustic dishes.

Maranges 1er Cru Les Clos Roussots: A more concentrated version of Maranges, with remarkable depth and finesse. Aged 15 months in barrels, it promises beautiful aging potential.

Aloxe-Corton Les Caillettes: This Pinot Noir, from limestone soils, offers rare elegance and intensity after 15 months of aging. Perfect for refined dishes.

Corton Les Perrières: A prestigious cuvée (2.5 barrels), carefully vinified to reveal the power and complexity of this grand cru. An exceptional cellaring wine.

Maison En Belles Lies is much more than a wine estate: it is the culmination of a dream, that of Pierre Fenals, who managed to transform his passion for wine into an exceptional reality. With its biodynamic wines, crafted in absolute respect for nature and terroir, this estate captivates natural wine enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you are looking for a lively Bourgogne Aligoté, a majestic Corton-Charlemagne, or an elegant Pinot Noir, purchasing wine from Maison En Belles Lies guarantees a unique tasting experience. Order now on Vins & Millésimes and discover these rare cuvées at the best price, delivered directly to your home. Let yourself be carried away by the authenticity and finesse of Pierre Fenals' wines!