Clos Rougeard : Les Poyeux 2019

Characteristics and tasting tips for Les Poyeux 2019, Clos Rougeard

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a beautiful deep ruby red, luminous and elegant.

Nose

The nose opens delicately with aromas of fresh red fruit accompanied by subtle floral notes. With aeration, the bouquet reveals spicy nuances and delicate hints of licorice.

Palate

On the palate, this wine seduces with its silky texture and great finesse. The attack is gentle, followed by a beautiful concentration of red and black fruit. The tannins are fine and elegant, perfectly integrated. The finish lingers with freshness and a saline minerality that reflects the expression of the terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with roasted red meats, herb-crusted lamb, or fine poultry prepared with delicate sauces. It also matches very well with aged hard cheeses.

Service and storage

Les Poyeux 2019 is best enjoyed at a temperature of 15-16°C. Decanting for one to two hours before serving is recommended to allow the wine to fully express its aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed now but offers excellent aging potential until around 2044.

An exceptional Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley

The estate

Founded in 1664, Clos Rougeard is an iconic Saumur-Champigny estate spanning 15 hectares. Owned by the Foucault family for eight generations, the estate was taken over in 2017 by brothers Martin and Olivier Bouygues. A pioneer of organic farming practiced since the 1960s, long before official certifications, Clos Rougeard is recognized worldwide as an absolute benchmark for the expression of Cabernet Franc. Now led by Cyril Chirouze, the estate continues a philosophy of respectful viticulture and minimalist winemaking, producing wines of remarkable finesse and immense aging potential.

The vineyard

Les Poyeux comes from a 2-hectare plot located in the Saumur-Champigny appellation, on a unique terroir composed of sands mixed with clay. This south-facing aspect promotes optimal ripening of the grapes, while the sandy nature of the soil lends the wine its distinctive elegance and aromatic delicacy. The vines, 40 to 70 years old, are farmed organically without any chemical inputs. Yields are deliberately limited to under 40 hectoliters per hectare to favor concentration and quality.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage in the Loire Valley benefited from favorable conditions, allowing the grapes to reach beautiful maturity while preserving the freshness characteristic of the appellation. The balance between concentrated fruit and natural acidity makes 2019 a harmonious vintage, offering both immediate pleasure and excellent aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Les Poyeux 2019 are harvested by hand, with rigorous berry selection. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts in concrete vats, followed by extended maceration lasting 24 to 30 days. Aging takes place over 18 to 24 months in one- to three-year-old barrels from prestigious Bordeaux estates. The wine is neither fined nor filtered before bottling, thereby preserving all its richness and authenticity.

Grape variety

100% Cabernet Franc