Clos Rougeard : Le Clos 2019

Tasting characteristics and advice for Le Clos 2019 from Clos Rougeard

Tasting

Color

The wine shows a deep, concentrated garnet hue, characteristic of Cabernet Franc.

Nose

The bouquet reveals fine aromatic complexity dominated by spicy red fruits, notably raspberry and cherry, alongside subtle floral notes of violet. With aeration, mineral nuances of crushed stone and wet slate emerge, enhanced by delicate touches of green pepper and spice.

Palate

On the palate, the wine charms with its silky texture and fine, elegant tannins. The attack is of moderate intensity, giving way to a harmonious structure in which velvety tannins are perfectly balanced by refreshing acidity. The palate shows an elegant yet juicy character, with a lingering finish marked by mineral impressions and subtle black-fruit notes.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs beautifully with roasted or braised red meats, especially simply prepared beef or lamb. It also complements poultry and feathered game such as pheasant, partridge, or pigeon with finesse. Mushroom-based dishes—particularly when incorporated into sauces or served alongside grilled meats—also make excellent pairings. For side dishes, opt for roasted root vegetables or potatoes au gratin.

Serving and cellaring

Le Clos 2019 can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve favorably until around 2028, or even beyond 2035 under optimal cellaring conditions.

An iconic Cabernet Franc from Saumur-Champigny with a sunny, balanced character

The estate

Founded in 1664 in Chacé, in the heart of the Loire Valley, Clos Rougeard is one of the valley’s most legendary estates. For eight generations, the Foucault family ran this 15-hectare domaine with an unwavering philosophy, practicing biodynamic viticulture long before it became fashionable. In 2017, the estate was acquired by brothers Martin and Olivier Bouygues, who also own Château Montrose in Saint-Estèphe. Under the direction of Cyril Chirouze and with the guidance of Nady Foucault, the domaine continues its commitment to time-honored practices and uncompromising quality, producing some of the world’s most sought-after Cabernet Franc wines.

The vineyard

The Clos vineyard covers around 6.2 hectares divided into fifteen plots spread across four communes: Chacé, Varrains, Dampierre-sur-Loire, and other villages within the Saumur-Champigny appellation, spanning a linear distance of roughly six kilometers. The vines, from thirty to over ninety years old—with most between fifty and seventy—grow on varied soils combining clay-limestone and well-draining sands, all resting on the famed tuffeau, the porous limestone rock characteristic of the region. This diversity of terroirs gives the wine remarkable expressive complexity.

The vintage

The year 2019 in the Loire Valley was marked by spring frosts followed by a hot, dry growing season. These climatic conditions, while reducing yields, encouraged outstanding fruit concentration thanks to smaller berry size. The 2019 vintage is thus defined by its sunny character while retaining beautiful balance.

Winemaking and aging

After hand harvesting, the grapes for Le Clos 2019 are destemmed, then macerate for four to six weeks in open cement or concrete vats with regular pump-overs. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, with no addition of commercial yeasts. The wine is then aged for eighteen to twenty-four months exclusively in neutral barrels from prestigious Bordeaux estates, thereby preserving fruit purity and mineral expression without oaky influence. The wine then benefited from an additional five to six years of bottle aging in the estate’s cellars before its release in 2025.

Grape variety

100% Cabernet Franc