Anne PAILLET

Autour de l'Anne — Languedoc & Loire

Anne Paillet's winemaking journey is a story of transformation, a pursuit of passion that led her from the corporate world in Paris to the vineyards of France. In 2011, she founded her micro-négociant project, Autour de l'Anne, with a unique and unconventional approach. While her wines are born from grapes grown in the sun-drenched Languedoc, they are raised and bottled in the Loire Valley, a "Loiredoc" fusion that defines her style.

A Philosophy of Purity and Finesse

Anne's philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for natural winemaking and a desire to produce wines that are light, fruity, and expressive. She intentionally eschews the heavy, high-alcohol style often associated with the Languedoc, instead crafting wines with a freshness and drinkability that echo the elegance of the Loire.

  • Low Intervention: Her process is defined by a commitment to minimal intervention. Grapes are hand-harvested, and fermentations are carried out exclusively with indigenous yeasts.

  • No Additives: A key tenet of her winemaking is the absence of any additives or inputs, including added sulfur dioxide (SO2​), allowing the pure character of the fruit to shine.

  • The "Loiredoc" Connection: The dual-region approach is central to her identity. The grapes are sourced from the Languedoc, where they develop powerful fruit and character, but the final aging and bottling occur in the Loire, where they are guided to a more delicate and refined expression.

The Vineyards and Terroir

While Anne Paillet does not own her vineyards, she works in close collaboration with the Domaine Beauthorey in Corconne, Languedoc. This partnership allows her to source high-quality grapes from vines farmed with exceptional care.

  • Location: Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Languedoc, including the Corconne and Pic-Saint-Loup areas.

  • Farming: The vineyards she works with are farmed biodynamically, with some holding Demeter and Nature & Progrès certifications, ensuring the health of the vines and the vitality of the grapes.

  • Grape Varieties: The wines are made from quintessential Languedoc varieties, including Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan, all of which thrive in the region's Mediterranean climate. She also works with white grapes like Colombard and Vermentino.

Winemaking and Process

Anne's winemaking is a journey of two distinct parts, reflecting her "Loiredoc" identity.

  • Harvest & Initial Fermentation: Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with wild yeasts in concrete tanks in the Languedoc.

  • Mid-Process Journey: Uniquely, she transports the musts to the Loire Valley after the primary fermentation, typically in January or February.

  • Aging & Bottling: The wines finish their aging and are bottled in the Loire, a final touch that brings out their signature lightness and finesse.

Signature Wines to Discover

The names of Anne's wines are often a playful twist on her own name, a nod to her personal touch and creative spirit.

  • Pot d'Anne – A 100% Cinsault, known for its light, gulpable, and fruity character.

  • Anagramme – A pure Grenache, bottled to showcase the grape's bright, red-fruited intensity.

  • Bob dit l'Anne – A vibrant red blend.

  • Los Annegeles – Another popular red blend, often a mix of Cinsault and Grenache.

  • L'Anne Fatale – A red wine with a distinctive and compelling profile.

  • CSG – A sparkling wine ("pét-nat") made from a blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Grenache.