Why it matters
The producer
Château de Saint Martin is a family owned Côtes de Provence estate. The property spans approximately 100 hectares, with half under vine. Its work covers vineyard practice, wine maturation and bottling on the property. The estate pursues HVE certification, with sustainable and low carbon viticulture and soil biodiversity among its stated aims. Wine maturation uses acacia barrels with fine grain. The range includes red, rosé and white wines, alongside a named Cru Classé red.
Château de Saint Martin entered the Cru Classé roll in 1955, when a ministerial decree honored 23 Provence estates. The designation required direct sales, bottling at the château, at least 18 months of wine storage before release, and an appellation or brand dating from before 1935. Adeline de Barry has directed the estate since 1984. The current property pursues HVE certification and sustainable, low carbon viticulture, with soil biodiversity included among its environmental aims.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Côtes de Provence is the appellation carried by the estate's red, rosé and white wines. The place reaches the label through three wine colors under one regional name. The Cru Classé red narrows the range to a defined grape composition, while the appellation remains constant across the estate's wines.
Wines to know
The range in view
The estate's range has three color categories: Côtes de Provence red, rosé and white wines. The named red is Château de Saint Martin Cru Classé Grand Réserve Rouge. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The bottle carries the Cru Classé designation, while the other wines are presented through their color and Côtes de Provence appellation.
The Cru Classé red is garnet with ruby hues. Its nose is vibrant, combining red and black fruit with figs, cinnamon and clove. On the palate, the fruit stays supple, and black pepper and spice mark the finish. The wine carries 13% alcohol by volume.