Saumur-Champigny “Le Clos” 2012 – Clos Rougeard

An iconic Loire Valley wine, combining depth, restraint, and the timeless elegance of Cabernet Franc

Terroir

The cuvée Le Clos comes from a historic, walled vineyard located in Chacé, at the heart of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. Planted exclusively to Cabernet Franc, the vines grow on classic tuffeau limestone soils, which provide excellent drainage and a strong mineral imprint. This exceptional terroir, combined with meticulous viticulture and long élevage, gives rise to wines of remarkable finesse, structure, and aging potential, considered benchmarks of the Loire Valley.

Tasting Notes

Nose / Aromatics:
The nose is refined and complex, revealing aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, and dark berries, intertwined with floral notes, hints of graphite, cedar, and subtle earthy nuances. The bouquet is restrained, precise, and deeply expressive.

Palate / Structure:
On the palate, the wine shows a medium to full body, built around fine, firm tannins and a vibrant natural acidity. The fruit is pure and focused, supported by a distinct mineral backbone that brings tension, balance, and remarkable precision. The texture is elegant, seamless, and beautifully proportioned.

Finish:
The finish is long and persistent, marked by dark fruit, subtle saline and earthy notes, and a lingering chalky minerality, underscoring the wine’s depth, restraint, and extraordinary aging capacity.