Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard 2020

Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard: an absolute reference of the Loire

The Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard is one of the most iconic cuvées of the Loire Valley. Made exclusively from Cabernet Franc, it expresses with remarkable precision the limestone terroirs of Saumur-Champigny and the expertise of a domain that has become legendary among enthusiasts worldwide.

Long shaped by the Foucault brothers, Clos Rougeard has profoundly marked the history of great wines from the Loire. Even today, this cuvée remains an essential reference for all those seeking a Cabernet Franc of rare elegance, capable of combining aromatic intensity, finesse of tannins, and immense aging potential.

Accessible in its youth while gaining complexity over the years, this wine embodies the excellence of the Saumur-Champigny appellation.

An emblematic property of the Loire vineyard

Clos Rougeard occupies a unique place in the world of great French wines. Located in Chacé, in the heart of the Saumur-Champigny appellation, the estate has established itself through a demanding approach to viticulture and a constant quest for the expression of terroir.

The vines are cultivated with extreme care to produce perfectly ripe grapes while maintaining the natural balance characteristic of great Loire Cabernet Francs.

The harvest is done manually, with meticulous selection of the bunches.

The vinification favors gentle extractions to preserve the finesse of the fruit, while aging in oak barrels slowly accompanies the wine without masking its identity.

A philosophy focused on terroir

Every decision made at the estate aims to reveal the personality of the vintage and the uniqueness of the plots.

This approach explains the exceptional reputation acquired by Clos Rougeard among enthusiasts and collectors.

Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard and the tuffeau terroirs

The Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard finds its identity in the tuffeau soils that characterize the appellation.

This limestone rock, typical of the Saumurois, offers excellent drainage while naturally regulating the vine's water reserves.

Cabernet Franc thus develops optimal maturity without losing the freshness that gives it its nobility.

The temperate climate of the Loire also contributes to preserving the aromatic finesse and tension of the wine.

This combination of geology and climate gives rise to elegant, precise, and remarkably balanced reds.

Cabernet Franc in all its nobility

In Saumur-Champigny, Cabernet Franc expresses a particularly refined style.

It develops a complex aromatic palette where red fruits, flowers, and spices combine with subtle minerality.

A tasting between finesse and depth

The appearance shows a beautiful intense ruby color with garnet reflections.

The nose reveals aromas of black cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant, and blackberry.

After a few moments, notes of violet, graphite, licorice, black pepper, and undergrowth emerge.

The aging brings delicate nuances of cedar, blond tobacco, and cocoa.

On the palate, the attack is silky.

The tannins are fine, perfectly integrated, and support a matter of great elegance.

The finish, long and fresh, reveals all the depth of the terroir.

A remarkable balance

The Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard impresses with its ability to combine concentration, freshness, and finesse.

This harmony largely explains its immense reputation.

Technical sheet

• Appellation: Saumur-Champigny
• Producer: Clos Rougeard
• Region: Loire Valley
• Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
• Soils: Tuffeau and limestone
• Harvest: Manual
• Vinification: Traditional fermentations with gentle extractions
• Aging: French oak barrels
• Serving temperature: 16 to 17 °C
• Aging potential: 10 to 20 years

The aging methods may vary slightly depending on the vintage to preserve the wine's natural balance.

Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard at the table

Thanks to its tannic finesse, this cuvée pairs well with elegant gastronomy.

Roasted poultry, grilled red meats, and mushroom dishes particularly highlight its aromatic expression.

Game birds and certain aged cheeses also reveal all its depth.

Its natural freshness allows it to maintain great digestibility throughout the meal.

The best food and wine pairings

• Beef fillet.
• Roasted pigeon.
• Duck breast.
• Lamb rack.
• Risotto with porcini.
• Wild mushrooms.
• Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine.
• Aged Cantal.

These pairings highlight the natural elegance of Cabernet Franc.

An exceptional aging potential

The Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard has remarkable aging potential.

In its youth, it primarily expresses black fruits, flowers, and spices.

After several years in the cellar, its bouquet evolves towards notes of truffle, fine leather, cigar box, dried leaves, and graphite.

The palate then gains depth while maintaining remarkable freshness.

The great vintages easily last two decades.

Why choose this cuvée?

The Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard will appeal to enthusiasts looking for:

• a great Cabernet Franc from the Loire;
• a historical reference from Saumur-Champigny;
• an exceptional wine for aging;
• a strong terroir identity;
• an emblematic cuvée of Clos Rougeard.

This bottle is among the essential references of French viticulture.

Tasting advice

Serve this wine between 16 and 17 °C.

Young vintages benefit from being opened an hour before serving or lightly decanted.

A large Burgundy glass will allow the bouquet to reveal all its complexity.

A bottle for special occasions

The Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard will accompany gourmet meals, tastings of great Cabernet Franc, and the cellars of the most discerning enthusiasts.

Its timeless elegance makes it a sought-after cuvée worldwide.

Discover the great Cabernet Francs of the Loire

The Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard demonstrates the richness of the limestone terroirs of the Saumurois and the exceptional potential of Cabernet Franc.

Also find our selection of Loire wines, Saumur-Champigny, and cuvées from the Clos Rougeard at Cave Le Mouton Rouge to discover the finest expressions of the Loire vineyard.

To deepen your knowledge:

• https://www.vinsdeloire.fr
• https://www.inao.gouv.fr
• https://www.loirevalley-wines.com

A cuvée that has become a legend of the Loire

The Saumur Champigny Clos Rougeard embodies the excellence of great Loire reds.

Thanks to exceptional terroirs, meticulous viticulture, and respectful vinification of the fruit, this cuvée offers a masterful interpretation of Cabernet Franc.

It captivates with its balance, depth, and ability to evolve over many years, confirming the status of Clos Rougeard among the most prestigious estates in the Loire Valley.