Madiran Tannat, Domaine Capmartin 2023

Simon Capmartin, Madiran

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.

The Tannat vines age from 40 years old to Prephyloxeric vines. Clay gravel and silicious soils support East and North facing rows of vines. The yield is around 40 to 50 hl/ha. Cover crops are grown 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.

Greedy and delicate, with supple and beautiful and well integrated tannins.

Grape: 100% Tannat

Biodynamic