The earliest records of Clos Saint-Martin go back to 1650 when it was owned by the Priory of Saint Martin.
Arround 1820, Tancrède Malfuson becomes the owner. This notable figure, well-known for his professional activity and his attachment to the city of Sancerre, was a legal representative at the court, a writer, and a pastor. Even at that time, a few hectares of vineyards surrounded this historically significant place.
The generations of the Malfuson family that follow will be passionate winemakers, deeply involved in local life. Their Sancerre wines will be awarded at the Paris Universal Exposition in 1867, 1878, 1889 and 1900.
After the Malfusons, a long-time family friend of the Cléments took over in 1929 and ensured the preservation of the vineyard.
However, in 2016, following the death of the incumbent winemaker, the vineyard experiences a decline, and it is in 2020 that the CLEMENTS acquire the estate.
Intensive clearing and planting efforts have been undertaken, and now, the year 2023 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Clos Saint-Martin, reconnecting with its viticultural heritage.
The first harvest will take place in 2023.
Each vineyard plot has been meticulously cared for, thus reclaiming its initial glow.
The vines of Clos Saint Martin stand on vertiginous slopes that can exceed 40%.
The terroir stands out due to its notably rocky and stony soil, characterized by small, hard stones referred to as ‘caillottes.’
These Upper Jurassic limestones, dating back 160 to 165 million years, are characterized by layers of relatively flat white stones.
These soils benefit from excellent natural drainage, warming up quickly in spring, and reflecting heat during the day to later release it at night, promoting optimal grape ripening.
This geological feature imparts to our Sancerre wines their unique identity and distinctive character: the true expression of our terroir.
