Le Pas Saint Martin
Saumur, Loire Valley
2020 Saumur Blanc ‘La Pierre Frite’
‘La Pierre Frite’ is the name of the domaine’s largest parcel. The unique soil here is rich in limestone and varied flintstone rocks. The fruit is hand harvested to small crates, whole bunch pressed and fermented with natural yeast in tank. This is a classic example of Chenin Blanc, with typical scent profile of ripe grapefruit, sweet lemons and yellow pears plus a hint of yellow tropical fruits. Follows through on the palate with freshly cut green apples, flinty acidity and a lovely mineral line. Give the wine a chance to sit for a few minutes out of the fridge and it will open up with more fruit forward and floral characters. Lovely freshness and zestiness. Delicious upfront Chenin.
Other vintages available: 2019
2015 Anjou Blanc ‘Le Vent dans les Saules’
Sourced from the gravel of Anjou alternated with schist. Harvested by hand and fermented with natural yeasts. ‘Le Vent dans les Saules’ means ‘the wind in the willows’, a reference to the willow trees planted near this parcel by Laurent and his grandfather when willow was still used for tying vines. This is very fine edgy Chenin blanc. Ultra-pure, it is reticent with grapefruit, lemon rind and pith, spice and stony minerality on the nose. The palate is marked by prominent saline mineral lemon juice acidity that while in your face (or mouth in this case!) is not out of balance. There is plenty of flavour behind the acidity – yellow florals, white anise, vanilla, clarified lemon juice, green apple with a richness that lingers on with the long drawn out acid finish. This is one for acid lovers and food.
2017 Vin de France ‘Sous le Tilleul’
100% Cabernet Franc from vines averaging 25 years old, over siliceous and calcareous limestone soils from the Jurassic period. The fruit is destemmed, sees 8 days maceration and undergoes wild yeast fermentation. Vinified without sulphur and only a little added at bottling. Fresh upfront and crunchy Cab Franc at its best. Vibrant crimson red. Lifted red fruits, florals and light spice and herb savoury accent. The suave, juicy palate is full of crunchy red and purple fruits, minimal tannins and fresh mineral acidity. Refreshing red at any temperature so don’t be afraid to fridge briefly for a light chill.
2019 Saumur Rouge ‘La Pierre Frite’
Grown on the flint/limestone/clay soils of Pierre Frite, this vibrant mineral-edged Cabernet Franc is aged for 12 months without sulphur in neutral cement vats. Ripe red fruits with a dusty dried herb edge and stony mineral tones. The medium bodied palate is clean and fresh, with juicy mineral acid, just-ripe red fruits alongside gentle gravelly tannins. Great value pure expression of Loire Cabernet Franc.
Also available: 2015 (750ml & 1500ml)
2011 Saumur Rouge ‘Charbonnières’
Cabernet Franc from 66 and 52-year-old vines on limestone soils from the Jurassic period. A long 25 days of fermentation and maceration followed by malolactic fermentation in tank before being pressed to used barrels for 18 months. Spends another year in tank before bottling. Opens with a ripe dark brooding nose peppered with small dark wild fruits, light sweet spice and dried cassis leaf. Secondary notes of leather and earth also come into play. The aromas lead into a medium-bodied palate with a good concentration of sweet florals and spicy dark fruits, paralleled by earthy tannins and a light chalky minerality. Generous in its Cabernet Franc fruit alongside the depth and complexity here. Again, great value from this domaine.