2020 Chateau Martinat Cotes du Bourg Rouge

This wine offers intense aromas of dark berries—blackberry, black cherry, and black currant with a hint of cassis—layered with earthy undertones and a subtle minerality. It has a punchy and concentrated character on the palate, with flavors of ripe black fruit accented by notes of caramel and clove,  with a hint of spiced mocha and vanilla from its 14-month maturation in French oak barrels. The influence of new oak is evident, lending the wine additional depth and a touch of warmth. Refined tannins and balanced acidity provide a fresh, structured mouthfeel, while the finish is long and layered, leaving lingering impressions of dark fruit, minerals, and soft, oaky spice.

Since acquiring the property in 1994, Lucie and Stéphane Donze have revitalized Château Martinat with a dedication to sustainable practices. Coming from distinct professional backgrounds, they embraced a farming method called lutte raisonnée. This approach emphasizes environmental balance through minimal intervention, allowing nature to play a significant role in the vineyard. Manual practices—such as pruning, leafing, and hand-picking—are meticulously performed to ensure that only the best grapes reach production.

Château Martinat, located in the scenic hills of Lansac within the Côtes de Bourg appellation, spans ten hectares and benefits from a microclimate influenced by the nearby Gironde River. This proximity brings a mild climate with ample sunshine, ideal for vine maturation. The vineyard’s soil is a unique blend of small gravel and red and brown clay layers, which add to the complexity and density of the wines produced here. With vines averaging 40 years old, the estate’s varietal focus is predominantly on Merlot (70%), supplemented by Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and a historical planting of Malbec (10%).