Saumur Champigny - Fabien Duveau
I love Cabernet Franc. It can have depth and elegance, with a satisfying balance of savory and fruitiness. It’s not too heavy but can certainly feel profound and soulful. But in the Loire Valley, it has come into its own right, it’s happy place if you will. It can ripen in the cool areas of the Loire River, and a more controlled lower yields are producing glorious wines that won’t break the bank.
Recap on Loire Valley Cabernet Franc - it produces a range of subtle different styles depending on the sub appellation:
Chinon: Sexy silky and seductive with more medium bodied red raspberry, pencil lead and sweet red pepper
Bourgeuil: Darker fruit and flexes it’s tannic muscles
Saumur Champigny: Fruity and flirtatious with a lighter body
Domaine Fabien Duveau, Saumur-Champigny Varrains Les Menais 2018
An 8th generation winemaker, Fabien Duveau refers to his connection to the land and winery as if he was born on a barrel. Growing up amongst the 20 hectares (40 parcels) of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, he became enthralled by the land and varietals. He knew he wanted to be a winemaker like his father and grandfather before him. It was always a passion, what he was born to do. In 2008 he took over the family estate and converted to organics, clean farming and preserving the heritage of the land. He knows every individualistic character of each plot - they each have their own personality. His passion is also for Latin dance, which he feels “dancing and wine are two passions that have no connection except passion itself. Our profession is above all our passion.”
The vines are grown on the famous tuffeau soils of the Loire, which is a mix of clay and limestone. The soil retains water but drains more effectively, protecting the vines from water stress. The soil contributes to the velvety tannins, vivid fruit & freshness in the Cabernet Franc and the radiant intensity of Chenin Blanc. The cave where all of the magic happens was Fabien was created in the 14th century from the same stone that later went to build the great Loire chateaux. It used to be the home for the Saumurois but it became to cold and humid for comfortable living conditions. It was better suited for storage and winemaking.
100% Cabernet Franc
Glass poured shows a medium purple color.
Swirl and the medium intensity aromas of earthy graphite, stone, fresh blueberry, blackberry, red plum and black raspberry
Sip and let this gorgeous, juicy medium bodied wine’s flavors of earth, graphite, blueberry, blackberry, red plum, black raspberry, violets surround you with the medium soft tannins that finishes on a savory herbal note of mint.
Let the supple, soft caress of the wine consume you.
Pair with a roasted bacon wrapped fennel prochetta, braised beef tacos or quinoa stuffed red peppers.
