Domaine AMI — Paul & Willy | Maranges, Burgundy
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Paris-l'Hôpital, Maranges
AMI = Friend

Paul &
WillyDomaine AMI

Two friends making natural Burgundy with horizontal generosity and vertical structure. Organic/biodynamic wines from the Maranges valley—fresh, fruity, and unapologetically fun.

Founded 2014
Hectares 5 (2.5 owned)
Approach Négoce Paysan
The Friendship

A story of two friends, reunited by wine

Paul Perarnau

The Gentleman Farmer

Trained at Sciences Po Paris and refined his palate in London working for wine importers. Stints at Maison Romane with Oronce de Beler, Domaine Hauvette in Provence, and Bruno Paillard Champagne. Paul brings the energy, the network, and a deep understanding of terroir—bridging city sophistication with rural roots.

Willy Roulendes

The Vigneron

Agronomy studies in Montpellier, then 10 years at Domaine de Montille learning biodynamics across 16 hectares of Côte de Beaune terroir. Currently director at Clos du Moulin aux Moines. Willy knows the soil before he knows the vinification—plowing from Corton to Puligny, understanding every nuance of Burgundy's great vineyards.

"We had a sort of instant man crush on each other—I was super interested by the way he talked about making wine, with so much humility and simplicity. He's a person with a lot of sense, without any notions of being an artist or some kind of god."

— Paul on meeting Willy at Clos du Moulin aux Moines

Both from the south of France (Roussillon and Languedoc), they met while working together at Clos du Moulin aux Moines in Auxey-Duresses. When Paul left for Provence and Willy stayed in Burgundy, something was missing. In 2014, they reunited to create AMI—a domaine born not from family inheritance, but from the desire to keep their friendship alive [^16^][^38^].

The Philosophy

Horizontal & Vertical—fruit meets terroir

Paul and Willy seek two dimensions in every wine: horizontal and vertical. The horizontal is generosity—fruity, smiley, approachable wines that challenge Burgundy's sometimes austere classicism. The vertical is structure—tannic backbone, sense of place, and that unmistakable Burgundian character [^38^].

Farming 2.5 hectares of their own vines in Maranges (plus 2.5 hectares purchased from organic friends across Côte-d'Or, Beaujolais, and Chablis), everything follows organic and biodynamic principles. They work with cover crops, herbal teas, and minimal intervention.

Horizontal

Fruit-forward, generous, smiley wines with bright acidity and immediate appeal.

Vertical

Structure, tannins, and terroir expression that gives the wine depth and aging potential.

  • Indigenous yeasts, no temperature control
  • Whole bunch fermentation for reds
  • No new oak—old barrels only
  • No bâtonnage for whites
  • No fining, no filtration
  • Minimal SO2 (10-35 mg/L) only at bottling

The Rules

"We want our wine to be fruity and generous—sometimes in opposition with classical Burgundy. Not just a glou-glou wine, but a wine with a certain level of tannic structure."

Location Paris-l'Hôpital, Maranges Valley
Côte de Beaune, Burgundy
The Wines

Playful puns, serious terroir

From premier crus to experimental blends, AMI's labels feature wordplay and puns that reflect their lighthearted approach to serious wine. All wines are vinified naturally with minimal sulfur, showcasing the fresh, energetic side of Burgundy [^17^][^37^].

Miami Vice Reference

Amiami Vice

Pét-Nat / Red Blend

The iconic flagship. Either a sparkling pét-nat blend of Savagnin and Aligoté, or a fresh red blend of Pinot Noir and Aligoté with carbonic maceration. Zero sulfur added during vinification. Bursting with wild berries, herbs, and vibrant energy.

Savagnin/Aligoté or Pinot/Aligoté
No added sulfur during vinification
Carbonic maceration for reds
Direct press for whites
Head in the Clouds

La Tête dans les Nuages

Bourgogne Rouge & Blanc

Their signature cuvée representing the horizontal and vertical balance. Red comes from 50-year-old vines in Maranges valley, whole bunch fermented for 14-15 days. Fresh strawberries, sour cherries, and soft texture with serious structure underneath.

100% Pinot Noir (Red)
Chardonnay (White)
12-12.5% alcohol
~20 mg/L SO2 at bottling
The Lobster

Homard Rouge

Bourgogne Rouge

A playful name (Homard means lobster) for a serious wine from 'Les Sorbins' in Pommard—just outside the appellation boundary. Organic for 10 years, small concentrated yields. Elegant, refined, with spiced red cherry and violet notes. The lobster that thinks it's a fish.

100% Pinot Noir
Plot: Les Sorbins, Pommard
10+ year organic vineyard
Aged in 3-8 year old barrels
The Little Rascal

Gaminot

Vin de France

An irreverent blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Aligoté. Co-macerated and co-fermented, breaking all the rules of Burgundian appellation. Fresh, crunchy, and absolutely delicious—proving that blending can be beautiful.

45% Gamay, 20% Aligoté
20% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
Clay-limestone soils
Whole bunch fermentation
Serious Terroir

Maranges 1er Cru Les Clos Roussots

Premier Cru

South-facing plot with gentle to steep slopes. Blue marl and limestone soils. Whole bunch micro-vinification in wooden vats, no added SO2 during vinification, aged one year in old 350L barrels without racking. Serious Burgundy with AMI's signature freshness.

100% Pinot Noir
Blue marl & limestone
South-facing slopes
12% alcohol
Skin Contact

Aligoté Skin

Orange Wine

From 45-year-old vines in Chassey-le-Camps, 5km from Bouzeron. 60% macerated 15 days on skins, 40% direct press. Apricot skin, chamomile, dried white tea. Fresh acidity and crunchy texture proving Aligoté deserves serious attention.

100% Aligoté
45-year-old vines
15 days skin maceration
Stainless steel aging

Also in the Range

Pommard 1er Cru — Structured and elegant from prestigious terroir
Santenay 1er Cru Passe Temps — Robust Pinot with classic structure
Chablis Broc de Biques — 60-year-old vines, chalky left-bank terroir
Saint-Romain Blanc — Creamy Chardonnay with hazelnut notes
Passe Tout Grains — 80% Gamay, 20% Pinot from Pommard
Homard d'Or — White wine from Pommard (the golden lobster)