Clos Rougeard 'Le Bourg' Saumur-Champigny, Loire Valley, France 2016

Clos Rougeard is an iconic winery in the Loire Valley, particularly celebrated for its meticulous approach to winemaking. The 'Le Bourg' cuvée, produced from the estate's best Cabernet Franc vines, embodies power, depth, and elegance. This cult wine is revered for its aging potential and Burgundian finesse.

• Winemaker: Richard and Jacques-Antoine, continuing the legacy of Charly and Nady Foucault
  
• Farming: Organic, biodynamic practices (no synthetic chemicals)
  
• Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc (70-year-old vines)
  
• Terroir: Clay and limestone soils, located in Chacé, Saumur-Champigny. The estate covers 11 hectares across 20 plots, with some vines over 100 years old, untouched by chemicals. The terroir promotes a rich microfauna and microflora.
  
• Vinification: Hand-harvested grapes, fully de-stemmed, native yeast fermentation in open-topped cement vats. The must undergoes daily punch-downs and pump-overs for optimal extraction. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels.
  
• Aging: Aged 18-24 months in oak barrels, followed by an additional year in the bottle. Wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.
  
• Tasting Note: Intensely structured and tannic in youth, with a Burgundian texture. Aromas of deep fruit, with fine tannins and the potential to evolve beautifully over time. Suitable for extended cellaring.