Domaine Capmartin Pimpant, IGP Cotes de Gascogne, 2020  £17.00

Domaine Capmartin Pimpant IGP Cotes de Gascogne

Simon of Domaine Capmartin has dusted off the historic traditions of Madiran and Pacherenc de Vic-Bil into a new, more progressive age.

He has set about significant changes amongst the vines and in the winery leading to his own unique versions of these truly exceptional AOP wines. Certified organic for the best part of a decade, Simon is now striving further with his sights firmly set on Biodynamic certification. Natural, low intervention winemaking are the watchwords. No added sulphur, all wild ferments and aiming for light tannins make for previously unknown modern, fresh and delicious Madiran Tannat. The unique white blend of AOC Pacherenc de Vic-Bilh, made in part with the rare and cherished Petit Corbu variety, is wonderfully complex and a food-friendly wine that will no doubt inspire sommeliers.

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 a 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.

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.

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