Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Les Chapaudaises Rouge 2021

Domaine Guiberteau's Les Chapaudaises Rouge is pure Cabernet Franc from vines planted in 1948, half a kilometre from the Brézé hill.

Les Chapaudaises lies in the Bizay terroir, in the small village of Épieds, next to Guiberteau's monopole Clos de Guichaux and on the same sandy tuffeau limestone. The parcel carries a mix of Chenin Blanc and old-vine Cabernet Franc: one hectare of the Chenin is leased to Brendan Stater-West, Romain Guiberteau's right-hand man, and the balance goes into the Saumur Blanc, but the 1948 Cabernet Franc is the prize here. The fruit was destemmed and fermented spontaneously in concrete, then aged for a year in conical Rousseau vats before six months in tank, a route that keeps oak influence out of the picture. The wine is neat and generous, with dark cherry, a nip of liquorice and a roasted-herb edge, and its tannins are fine and polished rather than gripping — closer in shape to Pinot Noir than to a firm Loire red.

Drinking well now and good for six to eight years. Try it with roast chicken, grilled pork or lentils and sausage at around 16°C.

*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.