Domaine Yves Martin is a small, family-run estate with 19 hectares of vines in the famed town of Chavignol. The winemaker, Pierre Martin, took over from his father, Yves in 2005. The domaine is in conversion to organic viticulture. They never use herbicides or pesticides. The subsoil here is Kimmeridgian marl and the top soil is very stoney. The vines grow in each of the two famous terroirs of Chavignol: “caillottés,” which is stony and chalky; and “terres blanches,” which is composed of clay and limestone. The winery is located in the center of Chavignol and is gravity-fed. All fermentation happens spontaneously in thermo-regulated tanks. Most of the aging is in stainless steel, although a couple of the cuvees are aged partially in barrels. The wines are aged on the fine lees, lending a nice richness to the wines. The result is a mineral-laden, refreshing Sancerre with citrusy lime notes and a lingering finish.
