Domaine Capmartin, Lou Piaf, IGP Côtes de Gascogne, France, 2024

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 the vines and the winery have led to a range of wines that showcase the quality of the appellations while 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 and a lighter extraction of tannins makes his Madiran Tannat a step apart from the region’s more impenetrable blockbusters. Among the white wines, his unique blends under AOC Pacherenc de Vic-Bilh, using the rare and cherished Petit Corbu variety, are wonderfully complex, whilst IGT Lou Piaf enlivens the palate with its electric sharp acidity. Capmartin is certainly a winemaker to watch with interest.

Viticulture

Grapes are sourced from organic vineyards located in the southwest of Gascony, on the region’s mixed clay and limestone soils. The vines here are over 20 years old and guyot trained.

Winemaking

Cool fermentation in stainless steel with 3 to 6 months of aging in the tank on the fine lees, creates a bright and precise wine with a delicate texture.

Tasting Note

A fresh wine that is full of life, with crisp apple and pear fruit aromas, which mingle with delicate floral notes. On the palate the wine is lifted by subtle exotic notes of kiwi and pineapple, yet the overwhelming character is that of precision, linear minerality and elegance.

Food Matching

A versatile white well suited to serving with grilled trout or other river fish, young sheep’s cheese or as an aperitif.