Chateau Yvonne Saumur Champigny 2020 Loire Valley, France

Cabernet Franc

Loire Valley, France

Chateau Yvonne has it all: vineyards that date back to the middle ages, a cellar carved into the bedrock like some kind of Game of Thrones castle, and a true master winemaker in Matthieu Vallee. Both the reds (cab franc) and the whites (chenin blanc) are among the best examples of the true potential of their respective grapes. The Saumur-Champigny Rouge is essentially their flagship bottling, from the clay & limestone terroir surrounding the tiny village of Parnay. It gets a cold soak and patiently ferments in large wooden vats. The wine is silky and elegant, with layered red fruits and savory bell pepper notes. It’s versatile and, given its ability to age gracefully, a tremendous value.

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