Surface area 6 ha.
Natural since Since 2014 under Xavier Caillard, taken over by Kaya Tsutui in 2018

About the winemaker
The estate in its current form was managed by Xavier Caillard from 2014 to 2017, before being sold in 2018 to Caillard’s Japanese importer of French natural wine. It was Kaya Tsutsui, the grandson of this importer, who had the honour of taking the helm of the domaine, with Ludovic Joly at his right hand. When it comes to viticulture and winemaking, Kaya seeks guidance from none other than Hirotaka Ōoka of Domaine de la Grande Colline a highly respected figure among European natural wine producers.

About the vineyard
Les Jardins de la Martinière is a dreamlike historic estate in Coutures, not far from Angers, with a winemaking heritage dating back to the 18th century. The estate covers a total of 11 hectares, of which 6 hectares are planted with vines. These organic vineyards are nestled among woodland and rolling hills, and run above a vast network of underground tunnels dug out centuries ago. The ancient wine cellar sits just steps away, in the heart of the vineyard. The majority of the vines are old Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, alongside recently planted emblematic Loire varieties such as Grolleau Noir, Pinot d’Aunis, and Grolleau Gris. The soils reveal a rare combination of tuffeau, pink sandstone, clay, limestone, and touches of slate. Everything is farmed organically, in harmony with nature and with the utmost respect for the life of these unique plots a true reflection of what it means to be a low-intervention producer.

About the wines
The wines of Les Jardins de la Martinière are strikingly complex, crafted with patience and the keen, methodical precision often attributed to Japanese artisanship. Grapes are harvested by hand over several rounds, allowing the winemaking team to bring layers of ripeness to the process and, in turn, depth to the final wine. Natural fermentation is the rule: whites ferment and age in barriques, while the reds begin fermentation in stainless steel or fiberglass before a minimum of one year’s barrel ageing. After this élevage in barrique, the wines are blended in stainless steel tanks and allowed to rest for another year, only then being bottled without added sulphites. Across all their wines, both white and red, you’ll find the unmistakable mineral edge and fresh acidity characteristic of limestone soils, as well as unexpected touches: soft spring blossom, sesame, plums, and miso. These are wines with genuine ageing potential they can be tucked away in the cellar for years, though their allure is just as irresistible right now.

Available by allocation only; email us if you’re interested.

Instagram Les Jardins de la Martinière
WineTerroirs profile on Xavier Caillard