# I've Got The Blouge (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine La Grange Aux Belles
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grolleau Gris
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €26
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, strawberry, orange, ginger, herbaceous

## About this wine

Domaine La Grange Aux Belles was established in 2004 in Soulaines-sur-Aubance by Marc Houtin, who was later joined by Julien Bresteau in 2008 and Gérald Peau in 2011. The domaine spans 15 hectares in Anjou, managed under organic viticulture and soil health principles inspired by geologist Yves Herody. In 2014, the estate chose to withdraw from the official AOC classification system to make wines as Vin de France, prioritizing low-intervention techniques. The cuvée name 'Blouge' is a playful portmanteau of Blanc and Rouge, referring to the unique pinkish-grey grapes of Grolleau Gris.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Blouge' is a portmanteau of Blanc (white) and Rouge (red), inspired by the pinkish-grey skins of Grolleau Gris.
- Founder Marc Houtin worked in the oil industry before earning his oenology diploma and interning at Château d'Yquem.
- Domaine La Grange Aux Belles withdrew from the AOC system in 2014 to maintain complete freedom in natural winemaking.

## Food pairing

The wine's energetic acidity and delicate skin-contact phenolics allow it to cut through rich pork and aged goat cheese, while its textured body harmonizes seamlessly with aromatic spices and roasted vegetables.

## Wine making process

Harvested by hand in 20 kg crates from old vines planted on black schist soils. Whole clusters undergo approximately 14 days of skin contact maceration and infusion. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using 100% indigenous yeasts without temperature adjustment or chaptalization. The wine is aged for 12 months in concrete eggs. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, with minimal to zero added sulfur dioxide.