Domaine Martinelle

Lafare | Rhône Valley

One of the leading micro-estates in the Ventoux, Martinelle wines showcase fresh, mistral-infused fruit from the south’s most captivating high-altitude vineyards.

Winemaker Corinna Faravel is without question a pioneer among a group of young artisans who early on recognized the hidden potential of the Ventoux in southern France, a diverse yet spectacular region known for far too long for the quantity but not the quality of its wines.

Located due east from the mountain vineyards of Gigondas, Domaine Martinelle combines an organic focus with a fiery passion in wines that speak honestly of the land’s beauty and of endless pleasure.

Each bottle captures the deep, savory flavors of southern grapes while remaining lively and vivacious, just like the cool mistral winds that whip through the countryside in the heat of the northern Provençal summer.

FARMING & WINEMAKING

Estate vineyards are found on a series of small, terraced hillsides that run from 810 to 900 feet in altitude. Soils are a mix of limestone (like Burgundy, thus finesse), clay (contributes body and volume) and gypsum (good for soil fertilization; probably a result of volcanic activity from Ventoux eons ago). While much of the Ventoux is located on alluvial lowlands, this mountainous eastern corner is widely held as the highest-quality growing area of the entire appellation.

The regional ‘mistral,’ or cold northern winds from the Alps, rushes through these valleys in the summer months, keeping temperatures cool. The vineyards’ altitude works to extend the growing season, with harvest often in late September through early October.

Vineyards have been cared for organically from the founding of the estate, which is officially certified. Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented in cement tanks on indigenous yeasts in a cellar built into the hillside. Wines are aged in unlined cement tanks on fine lees, with very little sulfites added during the vinification process, and are bottled unfined and unfiltered.

RED WINES

Ventoux Rouge 'Dentelles'

A delightful new red blend inspired by Mistral winds and spring cherry blossoms! ‘Dentelles’ in French means lace, and is both the name of nearby limestone cliffs and the spirit of this light-bodied, utterly refreshing and seriously drinkable red from Martinelle. Lower alcohol but full-flavored, ‘Dentelles’ leads with the crunchy, red-fruited energy of Mourvedre and adds Grenache and Syrah for soul and spice. Just the sort of “glou-glou” red you want in the warmer summer months, with dried saucisson and a rustic baguette.

Download fact sheet (PDF)

Ventoux Rouge

Red plums, black pepper, raspberries, the heady aromas of wild garrigue — lavender and thyme and sage. Pure southern energy and soul! Here Grenache blends with Syrah and Mourvedre for a full-bodied, spiced red that begs for lamb steaks or chorizo-flecked paella. A southern wine of pleasure, through and through.