Saumur-Champigny

France · AOC · Loire Valley

Styles

Natural factors

Soils on the Turonian cuesta: rendzinas and brown calcareous soils, locally covered by Senonian or Eocene sands and clays.
A foehn effect from the Mauges reduces annual rainfall to 550–600 mm, compared with over 800 mm on these hills.
Hillsides shaped by the Loire, the Thouet, and the Dive, at elevations between 40 and 110 m, across 7 communes of Maine-et-Loire. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
The juxtaposition of white chalk (Anjou Blanc / Saumurois) and slate schist (Anjou Noir) defines the geological identity of the vineyard.

Human factors

The vineyard dates to 1066: the 'Bois Doré' was cleared by the monks of Saint-Florent; Cabernet Franc was introduced around 1630 on the orders of Richelieu.
Cabernet Franc N, known locally as 'breton', spread widely in the 18th century; Antoine Cristal of Parnay helped drive its expansion in the 19th century.

Product characteristics

Deep ruby colour, aromas of red fruits or violet; fresh, round, and supple when young or after cellaring.
Ageing potential of 5 to 20 years; best served between 16 and 18 °C. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

Terroir / wine link

Calcareous and chalky soils combined with a warm, dry climate provide healthy drainage and a steady water supply, favouring the ripening of Cabernet Franc on the hillsides. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.