Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Clos Rougeard
Label Name:
 
Saumur Champigny Rouge le Bourg
Vintage:
 
2017
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Loire Valley (AOP Saumur‑Champigny)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
12.5%
Grape(s):
 
100% Cabernet Franc
Method:
 
Hand-harvested, de-stemmed; natural-yeast fermentation with extended maceration (c.21–28 days); malo in barrel; aged ~18–24 months in French oak; minimal intervention, low SO2, light fining, usually unfined/unfiltered.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Concentrated red and black cherry with violet, smoky bacon and black-tea leaf notes. Minerality and herbal lift underpin fine, sinewy tannins and bright acidity; long, precise finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Roast lamb, duck confit, mushroom risotto, grilled ribeye, charcuterie and aged cheeses; Asian: Peking duck, char siu, Korean BBQ (bulgogi), soy-miso braised pork belly, mushroom ramen or umami-rich stir-fries.
Vineyard Info:
 
Historic estate founded 1664; run by the Foucault brothers from 1969 until sale to the Bouygues family in 2017. Le Bourg is a small parcel of old Cabernet Franc vines (c.70+ years) producing low-yield, high-quality fruit.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Notable scores for Clos Rougeard Le Bourg 2017 include Vinous ~97, Decanter ~94, Jancis Robinson ~18/20; widely praised for precision, ageability and fine tannins