2020 Manoir de la Tête Rouge Saumur Rouge "Bagatelle"
Loire Valley, France
100% Cabernet Franc. Certified organic farming since 1998 and certified biodynamic since 2010; clay, limestone, silt soils, vines aged 15 to 30 years; cold maceration, 7 days maceration before juice free run, malolactic fermentation in concrete tank on lees then aged 8 months in concrete tank; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal sulfur.
This fresh, fun Cab Franc, which is classic Saumur but leans more crunchy raspberry/brambly forest berry than green spice. Light to medium in body with silky tannins and an earthy finish, this is a perfect everyday wine for pairing with tacos, veggie-forward dishes and even salmon.
Le Manoir de la Tête Rouge was built in 1649 at the foot of the hill of Le Puy Notre Dame. This maison is an important piece of the history in this small village and the vineyard is dwarfed by a majestic eleventh century Collegiate Church. Guillaume Reynouard purchased this property in 1995. There are 13 hectares of vines planted on the best clay-limestone soils in the Saumur region. Certified since 2010, they are all in on biodynamic farming. Proprietor Guillaume says, "We consider our 18-hectare area as a living being, the cultivated soil and the surrounding air become the energy base of the vine. Our goal is to provide the plant the best possible environment to grow.” And the best part is that the wines reflect this passion for the vineyards.