Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Les Arboises Rouge 2020

Les Arboises is Guiberteau's top red, a monopole parcel of 1957 Cabernet Franc on the limestone of the Brézé hill.

Saumur reds are made from Cabernet Franc, and on the chalky Brézé hill the variety takes a graceful, mineral form quite unlike the fleshier wines of Chinon or Bourgueil. Les Arboises is a subsection of that hill and a renowned red terroir; Guiberteau's parcel is rocky and chalky and was planted in 1957. The fruit is fully destemmed and fermented naturally in concrete, then rests eighteen months in barrels of new, one-, two- and three-year-old wood, with around 40% new in this release. Romain Guiberteau ages this cuvée longer than his other reds, in both barrel and bottle, on the basis that the site's more angular tannins need the extra time. Compared with Les Chapaudaises it carries more barrel spice and a more chiselled finish.

Decant it now or wait five to ten years; serve at 16–18°C with roast lamb, beef or a mature hard cheese.

*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.