Ariane Lesné earned her degree in wine and spirits marketing and management in the early 90s. After graduation, she began her career at a chain of wine shops in Paris, then worked a harvest in Burgundy. What was supposed to be a brief stint turned into six years of immersive learning, as she soaked up all she could with the dream of one day running her own domaine.

Her path next took her to London, where she worked for a wine merchant and was introduced to the world of fine wine speculation. Eight years later, she returned to Paris, where a growing passion for organic and biodynamic wines rekindled her desire to work the land. This was also when she fell head over heels for Pineau d’Aunis—a grape that reminded her of the texture of Pinot Noir, but with an aromatic lift that captured her imagination. This love led her to the Loire Valley, the native home of the varietal.

To us, this wine is dreamy. We fell for Pineau d’Aunis the same way Ariane did. Let it breathe a little before serving—it's punchy at first, but softens beautifully. Everything we love in a wine. It also shines at the table, making it a perfect pick for a dinner party.