Domaine Pas St Martin La Vie en Rose Methode Acestrale

Methode Ancestrale pre-dates the “Methode Champenoise” and employs one interrupted fermentation rather than an induced second fermentation. Centuries ago fermentation would stop naturally or at least retard due to the cooling temperatures in the late fall and winter. The warmer temperatures of spring would reenergize and recommence the fermentation. The “Methode Ancestrale” takes advantage of this natural cycle by taking the partially fermented juice and bottling it in the spring where it finishes its fermentation. Laurent Charrier makes this sparkling wine from Grolleau Noir that is grown in his Anjou vineyard . Grolleau Noir is a centuries old grape type native to the Loire and one that is used primarily in Rosé d’Anjou.

Laurent Charrier and his mother run Domaine du Pas St Martin, a small property in Saumur that also has holdings in Anjou and Coteaux du Layon. Laurent took over production in 1994 from his grandfather (winemaking skipped a generation, as his father wasn’t interested; mon Dieu!!). Laurent immediately set out to receive organic certification, which he acquired in 1997. The domaine itself is set among troglodyte caves formed out of ancient fossilized marine life that covered the region 10 million years ago. During the middle ages the caves served the Protestants as secret places of worship (h/t Wine Traditions for dropping this knowledge).