Domaine Guiberteau - Saumur Cabernet Franc 2023

Red wine

Region: Loire Valley

Appellation: AOC Saumur 

Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc

In 1996 Romain Guiberteau abandoned a fledgling law career to take back vineyards his family had leased out for two decades. His neighbour offered to help. That neighbour was Nady Foucault of Clos Rougeard.

Romain converted the vineyards to organic management in 2000 and secured certification in 2007. Everything is picked by hand. 

Sandy clay over limestone bedrock, fully destemmed, a short maceration, wild yeast fermentation in concrete, then around six months in tank with no new oak anywhere near it. The point is transparency, not decoration.

The result is Saumur at its most articulate. Cherry and raspberry, violets, dried herbs, and the pencil shaving minerality that only this limestone gives. Medium bodied, fine boned tannins, a finish that runs savoury and long rather than sweet.