Domaine AMI

Maranges, Côte de Beaune – Burgundy, France
Founded: 2014 by lifelong friends Paul Marchand-Perarnau and Willy Roulendes

Domaine AMI, named for the French word “friend,” reflects the deep collaboration between Paul, a former sommelier and terroir specialist, and Willy, a seasoned winemaker with two decades’ experience in Burgundy. Together, they run a domaine/négociant operation, farming 2.5 hectares of certified organic vineyards in Maranges and sourcing another 2.5 hectares of organic grapes from trusted growers across Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Chablis.

Their vineyards—on chalky, limestone, and granite soils—grow Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Aligoté, Gamay, and Savagnin (for select collaborations). Farming follows strict organic and biodynamic principles, using cover crops, herbal teas, and minimal copper/sulfur, with no synthetic chemicals. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimum ripeness.

Winemaking is minimal-intervention and terroir-driven: spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, no temperature control, no fining or filtration, and minimal sulfites (10–35 mg/L added only at bottling). Reds see whole-bunch fermentation or carbonic maceration for freshness, aged in old barrels to preserve vibrant fruit. Whites are aged on lees without bâtonnage for texture and crispness.

Key cuvées include:

  • Bourgogne Rouge: supple Pinot Noir with bright red fruit

  • Bourgogne Blanc: citrus-driven Chardonnay with chalky minerality

  • Maranges 1er Cru La Fussière: structured, mineral Pinot Noir

  • Pommard 1er Cru Les Poutures: elegant, spicy Pinot Noir

  • Santenay 1er Cru Clos Rousseau: robust Pinot Noir

  • Saint Romain Blanc: creamy Chardonnay with hazelnut notes

  • Chablis Broc de Biques: round Chardonnay with stone fruit

  • Bourgogne Aligoté Les Péteurs: zesty, herbaceous Aligoté

  • Amiami Vice: vibrant, no-sulfite blends of Aligoté/Pinot Noir or Savagnin/Aligoté

  • Pétillant Naturel: lively sparkling wines, often sulfite-free

Domaine AMI crafts fresh, expressive natural wines that celebrate friendship, terroir, and purity.

Black and white photo of a woman standing behind a table displaying bottles of wine. A small sign with the word "AMI" is attached to a parasol above the bottles. The woman is wearing glasses and a sleeveless top.

Where to Find Domaine AMI Wines

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for global availability.** Search for "Domaine AMI" to find merchants listing their wines and compare prices. Given their cult status and limited production, availability can be sporadic.
Domaine AMI Official Website While primarily informational, the official website may provide insights into their philosophy, current vintage releases, and potentially contact information for direct inquiries.
RAW Wine (Producer Profile & Online Marketplace) Domaine AMI is a featured producer on RAW Wine. Their profile often links to online retailers and distributors who are part of the RAW Wine network.
MYSA Natural Wine (Online, US & International Shipping) A prominent online retailer specializing in natural wines. They often carry a selection of Domaine AMI's unique Burgundian expressions.
Vinaturel (Online, Germany & Europe) A prominent German online retailer specializing in natural wines, with a good selection of Domaine AMI wines.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples)

  • **France (Burgundy & Beyond):**
    • **Winery Direct Sales (by Appointment):** Domaine AMI is located in Paris-l'Hôpital / Maranges. Direct contact for cellar door visits or local purchases may be possible, though their production is highly allocated.
    • **Specialized Wine Shops (Cavistes) & Natural Wine Bars:** Look for independent wine shops and natural wine bars throughout Burgundy (especially around Beaune, Nuits-Saint-Georges) and in major French cities (e.g., Paris, Lyon).
  • **United States:**
    • **Zev Rovine Selections (US Importer):** A primary importer of Domaine AMI wines into the US. Inquire with local natural wine shops or fine wine retailers working with ZRS.
    • **The Living Vine (US Importer):** Another prominent importer for Domaine AMI in certain US markets.
    • **Chambers Street Wines (NYC):** A renowned wine shop in New York City with an excellent natural Burgundy selection that often stocks Domaine AMI.
    • **Flatiron Wines & Spirits (NYC):** Another leading retailer in New York City known for its curated selection, often including AMI.
    • **Domaine LA (Los Angeles, CA):** A respected natural wine shop in Los Angeles that features AMI's wines.
    • *Contact independent, cutting-edge wine shops in major US cities (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Austin) that specialize in natural Burgundy or cutting-edge French producers.*
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **The Good Wine Shop (UK Retailer):** Has carried Domaine AMI wines, indicating availability in the UK.
    • **Les Caves de Pyrène (UK Importer & Online Store):** A major importer of natural wines into the UK, often a primary source for Domaine AMI.
    • *Look for independent wine merchants and natural wine bars in London and other major UK cities who champion natural and Burgundian wines.*
  • **Germany:**
    • **Vinaturel (Online, Germany):** As mentioned, a reliable online source for Domaine AMI in Germany.
    • **8greenbottles (Online, Germany):** Another dedicated natural wine online shop that features Domaine AMI.
    • *Look for specialized wine shops ("Weinhandlungen") in German cities with a focus on natural French wines.*
  • **Asia (e.g., Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore):**
    • **Rootstock Selections (Importer, Hong Kong/Asia):** Represents Domaine AMI in Asia, suggesting distribution in markets like Hong Kong.
    • *Look for importers specializing in natural Burgundian wines in these key Asian markets, as Domaine AMI is gaining significant traction there.*
  • **Canada:**
    • *Check with specialized private wine shops (where permitted) or provincial liquor boards/agencies (e.g., SAQ in Quebec, LCBO in Ontario for Vintages releases) that focus on natural and artisanal Burgundy wines in major Canadian cities (e.g., Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver).*

Winery Information & General Profile

**Winemakers:** Paul Marchand-Perarnau and Willy Roulendes.
**Location:** Paris-l'Hôpital, Maranges Valley, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France.
**Philosophy: Organic/Biodynamic Viticulture & Minimal Intervention:** Founded in 2014 by two friends. They own a portion of their vineyards (2-3ha in Maranges) and source additional certified organic grapes (approx. 4ha) from trusted growers across the Côte d'Or. In the cellar: Hand-harvested grapes, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, no temperature control. Reds often see whole clusters and gentle maceration. Whites are not bâtonnaged. Wines are unfined, unfiltered, and made with extremely low or no added sulfur at bottling. The focus is on allowing terroir and grape to express themselves purely.
**Vineyards:** Owned parcels in Maranges. Sourced grapes from various villages across the Côte d'Or, including Pommard, Saint Romain, Volnay, Beaune, and Chablis. Soils are primarily clay-limestone.
**Key Grape Varieties:** Pinot Noir (red); Chardonnay, Aligoté (white); occasionally Savagnin (for experimental blends) and Gamay.
**Signature Wines (Examples):**
  • **Bourgogne Rouge / Bourgogne Blanc:** Their regional expressions, often vibrant and accessible.
  • **Maranges Premier Cru 'La Fussière' (Pinot Noir):** A key single-vineyard red from their home appellation.
  • **Pommard (various lieu-dits like 'Les Vignots', 'Vaumuriens'):** Highly sought-after Pinot Noir from the prestigious Pommard appellation.
  • **Saint-Romain Rouge / Blanc:** Wines from the higher-altitude Saint-Romain, known for freshness and minerality.
  • **Savigny-lès-Beaune 'Les Dessous de Vermots' (Pinot Noir):** A specific lieu-dit from Savigny.
  • **Chablis 'Broc de Biques' (Chardonnay):** A rare Chablis from a single organic plot near Chablis 1er Cru.
  • **Côte de Nuits Villages:** Red wines from the Côte de Nuits side.
  • **Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (Chardonnay):** Their top-tier white Grand Cru, a powerful and complex expression (sourced fruit).
  • **'A-Miami Vice' (Pinot Noir/Aligoté):** An intriguing blend, often with carbonic maceration for freshness.
  • **'Les Côteux du Montguichet' (Savagnin/Aligoté):** An experimental white blend, sometimes a Pét-Nat.
  • **'Tête Dans les Nuages' (Pinot Noir):** A specific Bourgogne Rouge bottling.
Wines are classified under Bourgogne AOC, Maranges AOC, Pommard AOC, Saint-Romain AOC, Savigny-lès-Beaune AOC, Côte de Nuits Villages AOC, Chablis AOC, Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru AOC, and Vin de France for blends.
**Production:** Artisanal and limited, with very high demand globally due to their quality and natural approach.
**Style:** Pure, vibrant, and elegant Burgundies. Their reds often show bright red fruit and earthy notes with fine tannins, while their whites are fresh, mineral, and textured. Wines possess excellent energy and faithfully express their terroir.