Domaine de la Paonnerie was established in the 18th century and has been run by the Carroget family for the past 5 generations. Today Agnès and Jacques Carroget farm the 20 hectares of estate vines biodynamically, after converting to organics in 1997 and earning their organic certification in 2000. 

The vineyards and Chai are located in the village of Ancenis (halfway between Angers and Nantes, on the bank of the Loir River).  Wines are produced without correction or additions, always using indigenous yeast. Bottling is performed with sulfur occasionally, though generally their wines are produced without sulfur additions.  Natural corks from sustainable forests, coated with organic beeswax, are exclusively used.

Paonnerie’s vineyards are some of the most wild and natural vineyard eco-systems in the Loire valley: trees are planted every year to foster biodiversity, and oats and clover are planted between the vine rows to improve soil’s life. All weed management and soil preparations are handled with sheep and hogs.  Perches for birds have been placed around the vineyard for chickadee to flush out grape caterpillars and other harmful bugs. 3 hectares from the estate are plowed by horse. Beehives have been placed into the vineyard to create balance and harmony among the vines.

All of those achievements have been realized to maximize life into the vineyard. Biodynamic preparations, in particular horsetail and nettle, are carefully implemented, and vineyard and winery work are always performed in accordance with the lunar calendar.  

The wines of Domaine de la Paonnerie are honest and creative expressions of native varietals in the Loire, and we are honored to begin sharing their wines.