At a glance

Producer

Clos Rougeard

Region

Saumur Champigny, Loire Valley, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$150 - $250

Tasting profile

Dark berry fruits, graphite, crushed herbs, pencil lead, subtle earthiness, mineral notes

Evolution: Over the next 5-10 years, tannins will soften, fruit will become more integrated with secondary tobacco and forest floor aromas developing

At peak: Complex dark fruit, rustic earthiness, lifted minerality, and savory layers with balanced acidity and polished tannins

Structure

Acidity

High, characteristic of Loire Cabernet Franc

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained

Alcohol

13.5% - 14%

Aging potential

20-25+ years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2050

Optimal window

2025 to 2053

Current status

Approaching early maturity; still very youthful with firm tannins

Current condition

Robust tannins with good freshness and concentration; drinking well with cellaring

Clos Rougeard is one of the benchmark producers in Saumur Champigny, known for terroir-driven Cabernet Franc with exceptional aging. The 2018 vintage features classic structure and balance typical of great Loire reds, allowing long-term maturation and developed complexity over decades.

Food pairing

Pairs well with game birds, roasted duck, pork dishes, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses, and hearty vegetable stews.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To soften firm tannins and fully open up aromatics

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Minimal intervention winemaking, hand-harvesting, careful canopy management to reduce pesticides, water conservation methods

Clos Rougeard implements organic viticulture emphasizing soil health and ecosystem balance without synthetic inputs. Energy use is minimized by traditional cellar methods with limited mechanization. Water use is controlled with efficient irrigation. Sustainable packaging and local sales reduce carbon impact compared to mass-market wines, reflecting strong environmental stewardship.