This charming property is now run by the delightful Elisabeth and Marie-Laurence Saladin, the 21st generation of this family to produce wine in St. Marcel d’ Ardeche.
An incredible fact unearthed in the local archives is that they can trace their families’ viticultural roots back to the 1422 when Raymondi Saladin first planted vines. Today the family own 12 hectares of vines spread about the appellation.
The vineyards are farmed according to organic methods and yields are kept amazingly low. Each parcel of vines is picked and fermented separately using only natural yeast. Fermentation is carried out in cement cuvees and the winery is operated by gravity. Elevage is by way of ageing in old foudre. There is a lovely balance her between the old and the new. Stylistically, the Saladin wines have a gracious purity and elegance but could never be described as ‘simple’.
The cuvee Loi (pronounced ‘loy’) is named after their father and is made from 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Carignan. This is a beautifully crafted and a delight to drink.
