Winemaker Notes
Located at the end of the Plateau de Brossay, which is unique in Saumur in that it
does not have limestone. The site is a natural amphitheater. Biodiversity is
prioritized and no chemicals are used in the vineyard. 60+-year old vines that yield
about 20 hl/ha.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From 60+-year-old, low-yielding vines (20 hectoliters per hectare), the former Saumur, now Vin de France 2019 Gondwana, opens with a concentrated, intensely aromatic yet pure and stony as well as leafy/herbal bouquet of dark and red berries, red pepper, anchovies, meat, spices and licorice. Round and beautifully balanced on the palate, this is a fresh, juicy, sweet and silky-textured Cabernet Franc with a frisky and natural character. Not as round, intense and voluptuous compared to the Laurasie perhaps, but the finish is dense, firm, remarkably long and fresh, revealing good tension and concentrated fruit reminiscent of black berries, cherries and cranberries intertwined with notes of crushed leaves and stones. 12% alcohol.
Cabernet Franc, a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, is the subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets. Today Cabernet Franc produces outstanding single varietal wines across the wine-producing world. Somm Secret—One of California's best-kept secrets is the Happy Canyon appellation of Santa Barbara. Here Cabernet Franc shines as a single varietal wine or in blends, expressing sumptuous fruit, savory aromas and polished tannins.
Marked by great châteaux built with the same tuffeau limestone that is also responsible for the excavation of so many of the famed Loire caves, Saumur is famous for its Chenin blanc based sparkling wines. Inside the Saumur region, Saumur-Champigny creates some of the Loire’s greatest Cabernet Francs.