2015 · LE PONT MARTIN

Domaine Les Grandes Vignes is a family-owned estate in Anjou, in France’s Loire Valley, with family landholding roots dating to the 17th century. Jean-François Vaillant took over the estate with his mother in 1985 and now runs it with his brother and sister. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 1998 and biodynamically since 2008, with low yields, horse and sheep work, and a strong focus on soil life and biodiversity. The domaine’s varied soils include schist, phtanite, quartz, shell falun, sands, and rolled gravels. Chenin, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, and Pineau d’Aunis are among the principal varieties. In the cellar, the approach is minimally interventionist: wines are generally made without added sulfites, fining, or filtration, allowing site and vintage character to emerge.