Clos de l'Écotard Saumur Rouge 2021

Clos de l'Écotard Saumur Rouge is the estate's first red, made from 50 to 60-year-old Cabernet Franc in an ancient clos at Fosse-Bellay.

Saumur Rouge is Cabernet Franc country, and where Saumur-Champigny tends towards structure, the lighter sandy soils of the wider appellation give wines built on perfume and drinkability. Clos de l'Écotard is a young estate and the Chevré family took on two hectares of Cabernet Franc in 2021, in the commune of Fosse-Bellay. The vineyard is an ancient clos, though the vines themselves are 50 to 60 years old, planted on ploughed, light sandy ground. Thibaut Chevré's winemaking follows the infusion model: about 20 days on skins with very few pump-overs, so extraction stays gentle, followed by a short ageing of five months in a mix of stainless steel and sandstone amphora. There is no new oak. The result is a sappy, chalky-tannined red made for the table rather than the cellar.

Drink now and over the next four or five years, slightly chilled, with charcuterie, roast pork or grilled vegetables. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.