At a glance

Producer

Château Tour Grise

Region

Saumur, Loire Valley, France

Grape variety

100% Cabernet Franc (sparkling, méthode traditionnelle)

Wine type

Sparkling

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$20-$35 USD

Tasting profile

Very dry, crisp red fruit aromas (cranberry, red currant), floral notes, mineral character, fine bubbles, no residual sugar.

Evolution: With short aging, develops more autolytic (brioche, nutty) and earthy notes, though always bone-dry and linear.

At peak: At peak, highly refreshing and mineral, with enhanced complexity from lees contact but retaining purity and vibrancy.

Structure

Acidity

High (crisp, linear, supports aging)

Tannins

Low (sparkling, slight from grape skins)

Alcohol

Low to moderate (11-12%)

Aging potential

Moderate; best consumed within 3-5 years of disgorgement

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2 to 4

Optimal window

1 to 5

Current status

Ready to drink, can be aged briefly for more complexity

Current condition

Fresh, vibrant, best consumed in its youth

This sparkling Cabernet Franc is intended to be vibrant, crisp, and bone-dry. Brut Non Dosé style (zero dosage) accentuates minerality and freshness, but the wine is not built for long aging. Peak is within 2-4 years post-disgorgement, when fruit, freshness, and developed autolytic notes are in balance.

Food pairing

Seafood (oysters, scallops), goat cheese, fresh appetizers, sushi, tempura, fried vegetables. Excellent as an aperitif.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Organic and biodynamic farming since 1998; biodiversity in vineyards; spontaneous cover crops; hand-harvesting; low-input winemaking; minimal sulfur; lightweight recycled glass bottles; solar energy for winery operations; natural cork; water recycling systems.

Château Tour Grise is among the Loire’s notable organic and biodynamic estates. Certified organic and Demeter biodynamic for over two decades, using sustainable, nature-focused approaches throughout both farming and winemaking. Packaging is eco-conscious, and initiatives focus on renewable energy and responsible water use, with carbon footprint minimized especially for regional consumption. Outstanding sustainability performance compared to global sparkling producers.