The Anjou wine scene has its share of stars?–?Bellivière, Terre de l’Élu, Emmanuel Ogereau?–?and now, a new estate has joined their constellation. After learning the craft in these respected estates, Lionel Hupolox founded Domaine des Grouas in 2022, between Anjou Noir and Anjou Blanc, near Martigné-Briand. With a background in digital consultancy and project management, Lionel had dreamed of creating a wine estate of his own since his twenties. He graduated in viticulture and oenology in Marseille to sharpen his knowledge of the craft. His vision is now a reality, shared with his wife, Pauline Sain Hupolox. Together, they cultivate 13 hectares of organically certified vines, surrounded by a further 6 hectares dedicated to biodiversity. The estate is also in the process of obtaining biodynamic certification, a clear sign of their commitment to living soils and sustainable practices.
Around a third of the estate’s wines are bottled under their own label, while the rest is sold to wine merchants. Each wine is crafted with a plot-by-plot approach, capturing the singular character of its terroir. Even the labels embrace this philosophy, featuring colourful illustrations that spotlight the specific soils and parcels behind each wine.