Les Jardins de la Martinière
COUNTRY: France
REGION: Anjou
In the village of Coutures, just outside the renowned Brézé appellation in Saumur, Jardins de la Martinière represents the rebirth of a historic domaine. Formerly owned by the celebrated Anjou producer Xavier Caillard, the property was revived in 2018 by Japanese winemaker Kaya Tsutsui. Drawing on his experience in natural wine importation and the guidance of Rhône winemaker Hirotake Ooka, Kaya undertook the challenge of restoring the neglected estate. With a commitment to low-to-no-till farming, the vineyards have been rejuvenated through careful pruning, nitrogen-rich cover crops, and minimal soil disturbance, reestablishing the vibrant ecosystems Caillard once nurtured.
The domaine spans 5 hectares of vines, including 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Chenin Blanc, situated on south-easterly facing slopes surrounding an ancient house and deep tuffeau caves. The terroir, characterized by porous tuffeau bedrock with pockets of sandstone and clay, contributes to the distinctiveness of the wines. Kaya has embraced Caillard’s philosophy of long élevages, though the first wines under the Jardins de la Martinière name, from the 2018 vintage, were only released in 2023. This blend of tradition and thoughtful innovation is evident in the domaine’s offerings, where younger releases pave the way for future wines that will benefit from extended aging, honoring the legacy of this remarkable estate.
CUVÉES
“Syu Awa” Sparkling
Region: Anjou
Grape: Cabernet Franc
Vineyard: south-east facing slopes
Soil: tuffeau, pink and red sandstone pockets, clay
Average Age of Vines: 20 years
Farming: sustainable, Fukuoka inspired
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: whole bunches, two weeks carbonic maceration, fermentation begins in stainless steel, bottled November 2018.
Aging: in bottle, undisgorged
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: none
“Ko Ki”
Region: Anjou
Grape: Cabernet Franc
Vineyard: south-east facing slopes, old vine parcel
Soil: tuffeau, pink and red sandstone pockets, clay
Average Age of Vines: 70 years
Farming: sustainable, Fukuoka inspired
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: whole cluster, 10 days carbonic maceration, one week of punchdowns, fermentation in fiberglass vats
Aging: 2 years in fiberglass vats, bottled September 2020
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: none
“Shi Ro”
Region: Anjou
Grape: Chenin Blanc
Vineyard: south-east facing slopes
Soil: tuffeau, pink and red sandstone pockets, clay
Average Age of Vines: 20 years
Farming: sustainable, Fukuoka inspired
Harvest: by hand in two passes
Winemaking: direct press, fermentation in barriques
Aging: assembled and aged 1 year in fiberglass vats, bottled September 2021
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: none
“Akane no Oka”
Region: Anjou
Grape: Cabernet Franc
Vineyard: south-east facing slopes
Soil: tuffeau, pink and red sandstone pockets, clay
Average Age of Vines: 20 years
Farming: sustainable, Fukuoka inspired
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: manually destemmed, 4 weeks maceration, fermentation in barrel
Aging: in barrels 1 year, assembled in stainless steel and aged 1 year, bottled September 2020
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: none
