Awards/Ratings

Notable scores and reviews: Decanter ~92; Vinous ~90 (Le Clos 2018); Wine Advocate review highlights blueberry, cassis, violet, smoke and firm finish. Considered a cult Loire producer; allocation release and strong critical interest

Tasting Note

Concentrated Cabernet Franc: dark berry and plum, violet and cassis, roasted-meat/smoky and savory notes, fine minerality, firm tannic backbone and long, slightly rustic finish.

Food Pairing

Western: roast lamb, duck confit, pork shoulder, charcuterie, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, char siu (Cantonese BBQ pork), grilled pork belly, Korean BBQ, mushroom or soy-braised dishes, moderate-heat mapo tofu.

Production Method

Organic/sustainable viticulture; hand-harvested fruit, native-yeast fermentations, minimal intervention, no fining or filtration; aged ~18–24 months in oak barrels and bottled by gravity.

Vineyard Info

Clos Rougeard is a historic family estate (vineyards since 1664; run by the Foucault brothers from 1969); 15 hectares on clay-limestone soils; estate sold to the Bouygues family in 2017; famed for low yields and allocation-only releases.