Ferme de la Sansonnière

Winemaker Profile | Loire, France

Ferme de la Sansonnière is the life's work of Mark Angéli, one of France's most influential natural winemakers. The estate is located in Bellevigne-en-Layon, at the heart of the Anjou region in the Loire Valley. Since the 1990s, Angéli has been dedicated to biodynamic viticulture, gaining international recognition for his profound and expressive wines.

The estate's vineyards cover approximately 7 hectares in the Coteaux du Layon appellation. The primary grape variety grown here is Chenin Blanc, which thrives in the region’s schist-rich soils. Additionally, smaller plantings of Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, and Gamay contribute to the estate’s red wine production. The vineyards are managed using strict biodynamic principles—eschewing synthetic chemicals in favor of cover crops, gentle soil cultivation, and natural preparations to strengthen the vines.

The philosophy of Ferme de la Sansonnière is rooted in a deep respect for nature and terroir. Angéli sees himself more as a steward than a winemaker, allowing the vineyard to regulate itself and the grapes to express their full potential without artificial interventions. Indigenous yeast fermentation, minimal or no sulfur use, and extended aging periods define the estate's winemaking approach. The result is wines of exceptional precision and depth that truly reflect the unique terroir of Anjou.