Domaine Mark Angeli – Ferme de la Sansonnière
Loire
Ferme de la Sansonnière is one of the Loire Valley’s most admired and influential estates, widely regarded as a benchmark for dry Chenin Blanc from Anjou. Originally established in the 15th century, the domaine entered a new era in 1989 when Mark Angeli took the helm. A true pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in France, Mark transformed the estate into a reference point for natural, terroir-driven wines. Today, he is joined by his son Martial Angeli, who has been vinifying alongside him since 2021, ensuring the continuity of the family’s vision and philosophy.
The domaine farms 7.5–7.8 hectares of vineyards, largely dedicated to Chenin Blanc, with small parcels of Grolleau(blanc, gris and noir). All vines are cultivated biodynamically, often ungrafted and trained in gobelet. The Angeli family practices agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and strict minimal-intervention winemaking. Fermentations are spontaneous, élevage is long and patient—typically in old barrels—and sulfur use is kept to a minimum.
Rejecting the constraints of the local appellation system, the wines are intentionally bottled as Vin de France, allowing the domaine complete freedom to express its identity and craft wines of exceptional purity and energy.
Key Wines
- La Lune (Chenin Blanc) – The estate’s emblematic cuvée, renowned for its crystalline minerality, tension, and depth.
- Vieilles Vignes des Blanderies – Sourced from very old Chenin vines on schist, offering extraordinary concentration and finesse.
- Les Fouchardes – Another coveted Chenin cuvée, produced in extremely limited volumes.
- Rosé and Red Cuvées (Grolleau) – Rare, characterful expressions of this historic Loire variety.
Production at Ferme de la Sansonnière is very limited, and allocations are exceptionally scarce, reflecting the domaine’s cult-like reputation among enthusiasts of natural wine and world-class Chenin Blanc.
