Clos Rougeard — The Legendary Loire Estate
Clos Rougeard is a true institution in the world of wine — a mythical name of the Loire Valley and an absolute benchmark of Saumur-Champigny. Founded in 1664, this 15-hectare family estate has earned legendary status thanks to red wines of exceptional purity, finesse, and depth, crafted exclusively from Cabernet Franc grown on outstanding clay-limestone soils. Over more than three centuries, Clos Rougeard has forged an intemporal, elegant and rigorous style, admired by connoisseurs worldwide.
Terroir & Viticultural Philosophy
The estate benefits from a unique terroir characterized by clay-limestone and sandy soils, which impart tension, minerality, and remarkable elegance to the wines. Viticulture follows organic and biodynamic principles, with no synthetic inputs, preserving soil integrity and the identity of the wines.
This respectful approach allows the grapes to develop exceptional aromatic concentration and a crystalline expression of terroir. Each cuvée is crafted with artisanal precision and aged slowly to reveal its full complexity.
Signature Cuvées
- Le Clos — A blend of two historic parcels, this wine strikes a perfect balance between fruit and elegance. Red berries, silky texture, and length define this emblematic cuvée — the estate’s signature expression shaped by eight generations of winemakers.
- Les Poyeux — From a 2.9 ha parcel on sandy soil, this cuvée reveals the grace and lightness of Cabernet Franc at its finest. Remarkable aromatic precision and delicate freshness make it one of the most sought-after wines of Saumur-Champigny.
- Le Bourg — From a limestone parcel in Chacé, this is a mythical cuvée, structured and profound, with solar depth and aging potential. Produced in extremely limited quantities (fewer than 4,000 bottles), it’s reserved for connoisseurs and grand occasions.
- Brézé (Blanc) — A rare white cuvée from Chenin Blanc grown on pure limestone soils. Saline tension, chalky minerality, and layered aromatic complexity make this wine exceptional.
History & Transmission
A symbol of excellence and consistency, Clos Rougeard remained in the Foucault family for generations, elevating its wines to near-mythical status. In 2017, the Martin Bouygues family acquired the estate, preserving its identity and traditional methods with great care.
Today, Clos Rougeard continues to write one of the most beautiful chapters in Loire Valley wine history, producing some of the most coveted wines in the world.
Why Choose Clos Rougeard?
- Exceptional Saumur-Champigny — Refined fruit, depth, and timeless elegance.
- Exclusive cuvées — Le Clos, Les Poyeux, Le Bourg, and Brézé, produced in limited quantities.
- Unique terroir — Clay-limestone soils, organic and biodynamic farming.
- Historic legacy — Over 350 years of family heritage and excellence.
Stylistic Signature
- Cabernet Franc of legendary finesse
- Perfect balance between depth and elegance
- Iconic clay-limestone terroir
- Wines with exceptional aging potential and strong identity