Maison en Belles Lies

History of Maison En Belles Lies

The history of Maison En Belles Lies is that of a bold man, Pierre Fenals, who, at the age of 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 toward the world of fashion and decoration alongside his wife. It was in the 1990s, during a chance discovery of a work by Rudolf Steiner at a Parisian market, that his interest in biodynamics took root. Fascinated by this holistic approach, he decided in 2002 to leave everything behind to enroll at the viticultural school in Beaune.

For seven years, Pierre trained in the field, working as a vineyard worker alongside iconic figures such as Jean-Louis Trapet, Marcel Lapierre, and Emmanuel Giboulot, a pioneer of biodynamics in Burgundy. In 2008, he acquired his first plots in Maranges and in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. The following year, on September 9, 2009, he founded Maison En Belles Lies in Saint-Aubin, with the financial support of friends. The name of the estate, inspired by a 17th-century monastic practice of rubbing barrels with the lees from the previous year, symbolizes his attachment to traditions and to the purity of wine. Today, at over 70 years of age, 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 who share the same biodynamic philosophy. The grape varieties cultivated — 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 of age, while other plots culminate at nearly 400 meters in altitude, lending the wines a unique freshness and minerality.

Certified in Organic Agriculture by Ecocert, the estate is cultivated according to the biodynamic principles of Rudolf Steiner. Pierre Fenals personally prepares his herbal teas and plant-based liquid fertilizers from local plants, carefully applied to strengthen the vitality of the vines. The use of copper is minimal, volcanic sulfur is preferred, and occasional light plowing helps control ground cover while respecting the soils. The harvests, exclusively manual, are carried out in small 20-kilo crates to preserve the integrity of the grapes, thus guaranteeing raw material of irreproachable quality for winemaking.

Winemaking at Maison En Belles Lies

At Maison En Belles Lies, winemaking is a minimalist art, guided by respect for the fruit and the terroir. The 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 the 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 from 12 to 24 months, allow the wines to develop remarkable complexity, often on the lees for the whites.

Pierre Fenals scrupulously follows the lunar calendar for each stage, from cultivation to bottling, carried out by gravity so as not to disturb the juices. Most of the cuvées are made without added sulfites, although some receive a homeopathic dose (1 g/hL) at bottling to ensure their stability. The result? Crystalline, vibrant, and deeply expressive wines that capture the essence of their terroirs without artifice. This natural approach, combined with a scientific rigor inherited from his past as a chemist, makes the wines of Maison En Belles Lies essential references for lovers of natural wines.

The Cuvées of Maison En Belles Lies

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

White Wines

Bourgogne Aligoté: From white limestone soils, this lively and mineral wine is vinified in tank (30%) and in Bordeaux barrels (70%) for 15 months. Spontaneous fermentation, without filtration and with a minimum of sulfites. Perfect as an aperitif 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 liveliness and precision make it an ideal companion for grilled fish.

Santenay: From limestone and mergel soils, this chardonnay combines depth and freshness after 15 months of aging in barrels. Unfiltered, it charms with its complexity and pairs well with creamy dishes.

Corton-Charlemagne: A rare cuvée (2.5 pieces), from limestone and mergel. 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 tank, 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 in 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 aromas of red fruits make it an excellent choice for grilled meats.

Maranges: From limestone and mergel, this pinot noir is vinified in an open tank 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 the Maranges, with remarkable depth and finesse. Aged 15 months in barrels, it promises a fine 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 pieces), carefully vinified to reveal the power and complexity of this grand cru. An exceptional wine for cellaring.

Maison En Belles Lies is far more than a wine estate: it is the fulfillment 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 lovers the world over. 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 door. Let yourself be carried away by the authenticity and finesse of Pierre Fenals' wines!