Le Pas Saint Martin La Vie En Rose Méthode Ancestrale

Domaine du Pas Saint Martin is located in Saumur, Loire Valley with vineyards primarily in Saumur, but also in Anjou and Côteaux du Layon. Laurent Charrier took over the estate from his grandfather in 1994, and his first goal was the conversion of his family's estate to organic certification, which he achieved in 1997. The cellars of the domaine are set among a series of troglodyte caves formed out of ancient marine life. Laurent grows mainly Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, which he masterfully crafts into elegant expressions of his terroir. He is passionately committed to biodiversity in his vineyards and surrounding woods, and in 2009, along with local artisans, started "Le Monde de Pierre Frite", an interactive teaching program for children to raise awareness and understanding of this important topic. In 2012, the domaine received the Eco-Trophée from the Parc National Loire-Anjou-Touraine for his environmentally-friendly practices in all aspects of vineyard work, winemaking and promotion of environmental awareness.

La Vie en Rose is produced in the “Methode Ancestrale”. This method 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.