Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Clos Rougeard
Label Name:
 
Saumur Champigny Rouge le Clos
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saumur-Champigny, Loire
Volume:
 
1500ml
ABV:
 
12.5%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Franc
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.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
3
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
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.
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.
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