Domaine Capmartin, Pimpant, IGP Côtes de Gascogne, France, 2023

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

The upper soils are clay- gravel in nature and sit on a bed of red clay. Vines are orientated East and North. 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.

Winemaking

After destemming, the grapes are allowed to go through the process of carbonic maceration, with a natural fermentation using only native yeasts. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation as well as 6 months of ageing is carried out in stainless steel tank. This natural process of winemaking results in a wine low in sulphites by the time it is bottled.

Tasting Note

This cuvée, unfiltered, unfined and without added sulphite, is as natural as they come and can present a slight deposit in the bottle. Light, fresh with mouthwatering juicy red fruits.

Food Matching

Roasted, grilled or smoked meat dishes like; duck, beef, veal, sausage, and chicken dishes.