Clos Rougeard - Saumur-Champigny - Les Poyeux - Rouge - 2018

Wine:

Still restrained upon opening, the 2018 red Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux combines the gentle feel of its clay-sandy terroir with the sunny character of the vintage. Sourced from a nearly 3-hectare parcel facing the estate on a gentle slope, it will need a few more years to fully mellow its intensity.

Vinification:

Hand harvested. Almost 3-hectare plot facing the estate, on a gentle slope offering a terroir rare in the Saumur-Champigny appellation, combining clay and draining wind-blown sand. Gentle vinification with a minimalist approach. Aged for more than 2 years in barrels and several years in bottles in the heart of the tuffeau cellars, seven meters below ground.

Certified organic wine.

Temperature:

Serve between 14 and 16°C in a large glass.

Food and wine pairing:

Rack of veal in a salt crust, roast duckling with spices, herb-crusted prime rib, duck aiguillettes with green pepper, lamb tagine with prunes.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2035, and even longer for enthusiasts.

An absolute pinnacle of the Loire Valley and recipient of 2 stars in the RVF Guide, Clos Rougeard is inseparable from the legacy of Charly and Nady Foucault, the artisans behind its success. Pioneers in organic farming since the 1970s, the Foucault brothers brought global recognition to the Loire, showcasing the strength of the Saumur-Champigny terroirs and their ability to produce exceptional wines.

Names like Le Bourg, Le Clos, and Les Poyeux resonate with enthusiasts as perfect expressions of Cabernet Franc from these siliceous, limestone, and sandy soils. Additionally, a rare white wine from just 1.5 hectares is crafted from the grand cru limestone of Brézé.

Today, Clos Rougeard is owned by the Bouygues family, who continue its tradition of excellence, with their wines remaining highly sought after.