Domaine la Calmette - Maya Sallée & Nicolas Fernandez

We established our estate in 2016, taking over old vines on the Kimmeridgian limestone soils of Cahors (the "causse"). We were struck by the quality of the wines from this terroir, combining perfectly ripe fruit with a lively and fresh acidity, even in warmer vintages.

We cultivate our vines using organic and biodynamic farming methods, adopting a regenerative approach: minimal soil work, soil enrichment through the addition of compost, and development of abundant foliage to provide shade, preserve freshness, and achieve optimal fruit maturity.

Our main grape variety is Malbec, which originates from the region. Contrary to its rustic reputation, we are convinced that it is a truly noble grape variety, capable of great finesse when worked with gentleness and delicacy.

We also have two plots of white grapes planted together, where we have mixed common regional varieties (Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc) with less common, lower-alcohol varieties that contribute to the wine's fluidity. Among these varieties is Noual, an old grape variety from the Cahors plateau, which nearly became extinct and is now making a comeback, a direct result of the 19th century, to offer solutions to the climate chaos of the 21st century.

All our production comes from our own grapes (no trading).

In our wines, we seek the expression of pure fruit and a delicate character, using grapes harvested at full maturity and entirely by hand. Our goal is lasting stability, achieved through complete fermentation of sugars and malic acid, followed by extended aging on the lees, without the addition of sulfites until bottling. At this stage, minimal additions are made on a case-by-case basis. Total SO₂ levels are often below 10 mg/L.

We invite you to explore the many facets of our Malbecs through our diverse range: light and fruity reds; a sparkling red wine; a rosé; and single-vineyard wines seeking to capture unique expressions and particular emotions.
As for our white wines, they also produce a range of distinct wines, depending on whether we have used a long semi-oxidative aging process for a rich and dense wine, or a shorter aging process for a more direct, fruit-forward white.

Our range is often described as a journey: come and discover or rediscover with us the Cahors plateau and its wines with unique textures