Domaine de l'Ours Bleu - La Salle Martin 2020
The Domaine de l’Ours Bleu is located in Montsoreau, in the Saumurois region at the heart of the Loire Valley, between Fontevraud and Brézé, an area renowned for its limestone terroirs dominated by tuffeau. The estate was founded in the early 2010s around a project led by Jérôme Baillargeau and a few passionate partners, with the ambition to produce Loire wines of character capable of fully expressing their terroir. The vineyard today covers about fourteen hectares planted exclusively with Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, two emblematic grape varieties of the Saumurois. All parcels are managed organically, with careful soil work and yield control to preserve vine vitality and grape precision. The estate is also distinguished by a winemaking philosophy focused on long aging, often exceeding twenty-four months, intended to give the wines depth and complexity.
The La Salle Martin 2020 cuvée fits into this demanding approach and represents one of the estate’s most ambitious reds, produced in the Saumur-Champigny appellation.
La Salle Martin 2020 is produced exclusively from Cabernet Franc, a signature grape of the region that expresses itself particularly well on the limestone soils of Saumurois. The vines are planted on tuffeau slopes which favor a balance between fruit ripeness and natural freshness. The grapes are harvested at full maturity then vinified traditionally to preserve the aromatic purity of the variety. After fermentation, the wine undergoes a particularly long aging of about thirty-six months in barrels, a rare duration that is the signature of this cuvée.
This extended maturation allows the wine to gain depth, texture, and complexity while refining the tannic structure. The result is a structured and elegant Saumur-Champigny, faithful to the estate’s approach based on patience and precision.
On tasting, La Salle Martin 2020 reveals an expressive nose dominated by aromas of ripe black fruits, blackcurrant, and cherry, accompanied by floral nuances evoking violet and hints of sweet spices. The palate is distinguished by a dense and velvety texture, supported by present but fine tannins that bring structure and balance. Notes of undergrowth, pepper, and licorice gradually appear with aeration, enriching the aromatic palette. The whole retains a beautiful freshness that balances the wine’s concentration and prolongs the sensation of finesse. The finish is long and refined, marked by a spicy and slightly mineral persistence. This Saumur-Champigny pairs particularly well with grilled meats, aged beef cuts, game, or richly flavored stews.
Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
