Sylvain Martínez

🍷 Sylvain Martínez: Loire Natural Wine Rooted in Peasant Heritage, Troglodyte Cellars, and Free Energy

Since 2016, Sylvain Martínez has been based in Le Thoureil, vinifying in semi-troglodyte caves known as the Caves de l’Abbaye. He farms about 2.5 hectares organically, with a fully natural, artisanal approach. A former cellar hand for Olivier Cousin, he trained with iconic Loire winemakers like Mark Angeli, René Mosse, and Xavier Cailleau. His wines are made without additives, commercial yeast, fining, or filtration, and with little to no sulfur. He works with classic Loire grapes — Chenin, Pineau d’Aunis, Cabernet Franc — to produce vibrant, honest wines often aged in barrel.

🌿 Philosophy

• Organic farming, natural winemaking, zero additives.

• Manual work, respect for life, troglodyte cellar aging.

• Living, digestible wines with strong personality.

🍇 Grapes and Style

• Chenin, Pineau d’Aunis, Cabernet Franc.

• Natural reds, whites, and pét-nats.

• Signature cuvées: Corbeau (ungrafted Pineau d’Aunis), Gazouillis (Chenin pet nat), Goutte d’O (barrel-aged Chenin).