2016 Clos Rougeard, Saumur-Champigny

Why We're Buying

Located in the Loire Valley, Clos Rougeard only produces around 2,500 cases annually, earning them a cult winery status. The estate has been in the Foucault family since the 1800s and only produces four wines each year – one white and three cabernet franc-based reds – each of which is highly coveted by collectors. The vineyard is sustainably farmed and the wines are crafted with minimal intervention for the most unadulterated expression of terroir. Cabernet franc is often overshadowed by the bigger, bolder cabernet sauvignon – but the 100 cabernet franc 2016 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny shows what a star this grape can be. Savory and complex, the floral and herbal notes are supported by crunchy red fruits, all of which are softened by 24 months in oak. A flinty minerality lingers during the long finish. And don’t forget about structure – “Firm tannins undergird the vibrant palate of this eminently drinkable wine,” writes Decanter’s Yohan Castaing. The Final Sip: The 2016 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny can be enjoyed now, but 10 years in the cellar will bring out even more nuances – if you can get your hands on a bottle.

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