Domaine Capmartin, Cuvée de Couvent, AOP Madiran, France, 2018

Producer Profile

Under the skilled and insightful guidance of Simon Capmartin, his Madiran and Pacherenc de Vic-Bil Domaine has kicked this most traditional of appellations into a new, more progressive age. Changes to both the management of his vines and the winery have led to a range of wines which showcase the quality of the appellations whilst brilliantly offering a unique and refreshingly modern twist. Certified organic for the best part of a decade, Simon now has his sights firmly set on biodynamic certification. Natural, low-intervention winemaking is the very essence of his approach. Vinification with no added sulphur, all wild ferments, plus lighter extraction of tannins makes his Madiran Tannat a step apart from the region’s more usual impenetrable blockbusters. With the white wines, unique blends under AOC Pacherenc de Vic-Bilh, using the rare and cherished Petit Corbu variety, is wonderfully complex, whilst IGT Lou Piaf enlivens the palate with electric sharp acidity … certainly a winemaker to watch with interest.

Viticulture

20 year old vines, planted on clay and limestone soils in rows orientated East and South. This is fairly high density planting, of 6400 vines per hectare. Plants are sewn under the rows to avoid soil compaction as well as nutrient contribution, alternated by tillage or natural grassing every other row if necessary. Pruning is simple guyot, and some leaves are removed to improve the light under the canopy. Harvest is carried out by hand.

Winemaking

After destemming, pigeage is carried out in 70hl open top tanks before an alcoholic fermentation in concrete tank and and malolactic fermentation in 500l Oak barrels.

Oak Ageing

24 Months

Tasting Note

Punchy and ripe plum and dark berry flavours. This has plenty of depth on the palate, with a spicy finish alongside well balanced tannins.

Food Matching

A big bold wine that will work so well with red meat or strong mature cheeses.