Chateau de Villeneuve Saumur Champigny AOC 2021 | Loire, France

An utterly classic example of Saumur-Champigny Cabernet Franc that hits all the notes.

Producer: Château de Villeneuve

Region: Saumur-Champigny, Anjou-Saumur, Loire Valley, France

Grapes: Cabernet Franc

Red and black berries, cracked pepper, smoky spice, and that unmistakable limestone hum from the Tuffeau soils.

Redcurrants, graphite, violets, and a flicker of herbal savouriness carry through to a savoury, mineral finish.

The palate is Loire Valley structure at its best: medium-bodied, dry, gently textured, with fine crunchy tannins and fresh, lively acidity that keeps things lifted and clean.

Drink it with steak frites, grilled meats, or a well-constructed cheeseburger. Or cellar it for a few years and let the angles smooth out.

Nerd Notes:

The fruit is estate-grown and organically farmed, with vineyards spread out across the Saumur-Champigny appellation.

Grapes are hand picked, sorted, and destemmed. Fermented using natural yeasts, followed with pump overs and delestage.

Aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks (60%) and 8 to 10 year old 40hl foudres (40%) for 3 months, before rotating the wine between aging vessels, preserving freshness and adding gentle texture.