The Estate

The domaine is located in the heart of Chavignol, and Pierre Martin, who took over from his Father Yves after studying in Burgundy and Champagne, has control over 18 hectares of vineyards, of which 14.5 hectares are dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc, and of this, 80% is planted on the slopes around Chavignol; this includes vines in both Les Monts Damnés and Les Culs de Beaujeu, two of the region’s most exalted vineyards.

Pierre has a low intervention philosophy both in the vineyard and in the cellar, being respectful to traditional methods of wine making, while at the same time work according to organic and biodynamic methods. The resulting wines are richly-styled, with the unique minerality often found only in the Sauvignon Blanc wines of Sancerre.

Viticulture and Vinification

Across the domaine the soils are the typical limestone (caillottes) and Kimmeridgian clay-limestone marl (terres blanches) of the appellation, and with many vines planted on the hills around Chavignol Pierre finds himself working vineyards with plenty of slopes. Pierre adheres to organic methods when tending the vines. He works the soil to control weeds, and attains low yields by strict pruning, as well as a green harvest if necessary. In keeping with his organic beliefs he uses no chemical insecticides or chemical anti-fungal treatments. He uses a little fertiliser, but always prepared following biodynamic methods.

The picking is by hand for the site-specific cuvées, and a mix of hand and machine for the white domaine cuvée. He ferments in steel or wood, depending on the cuvée, and he works the wines according to the phases of the moon. Fermentation is done spontaneously with indigenous yeasts.

Wines Produced

sancerre rosÉ

Pinot Noir from vines with an average age of 30 years old. Aged on lees in stainless steel tank.

SANCERRE ROUGE

Pinot Noir from vines with an average age of 30 years old. Aged in old oak barrels.

SANCERRE BLANC

Sauvignon Blanc from vines with an average age of 30 years old. Aged on fine lees with stirring in stainless steel tank.

SANCERRE BLANC CUL DE BEAUJEU

Sauvignon Blanc from vines with an average age of 20 years old. Long ageing on fine lees with stirring, half in stainless teel tank and half in old oak barrels.

SANCERRE BLANC MONT DAMNÉS

Sauvignon Blanc with up to 18 months ageing on fine lees with stirring in stainless teel tank.

SANCERRE BLANC CULS DAMNÉS

An unconventional blend of fruit from the Cul de Beaujeu and Les Monts Damnés vineyards, 50% from each, vinified entirely in 600-litre and 300-litre barrels.

Critical Praise

“In Pierre Martin we have another name to add to the growing list of domaines that are turning out excellent examples of the appellation, the wines – at the lieu-dit level especially – being quite magnificent..”

Chris Kissack, The Wine Doctor (Loire Specialist)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country:  France

Region:  Loire

Appellation: Sancerre - Chavignol

Founded:  1850

Annual Production: 10,000 cases

Farming: Organic