Saumur Champigny 'Les Terrages' Clotilde Legrand 2017

The Saumur Champigny 'Les Terrages' by Clotilde Legrand is a red wine made from Cabernet Franc that embodies the elegance and authenticity of the region. Situated in one of Saumur's most esteemed areas for red wine production, this label faithfully reflects the distinctive character of the Loire, with its extraordinary ability to age over time. At its origin, we find a long family tradition dating back to the 17th century, with Clotilde distinguishing herself as the first female winemaker of the Legrand family since 2014.

The vineyard that will constitute Clotilde Legrand's Saumur Champigny 'Les Terrages' spans 16 hectares of land, divided into about twenty plots scattered among the municipalities of Saumur, Dampierre, Chacé, Varrains, and Souzay-Champigny. Here, the Cabernet Franc variety finds its ideal habitat, with vines boasting an average age of 45 years, some of which even date back to 1937. But it's not just the history of the vines that makes the difference; the soil also plays a starring role. The clay-limestone soils from the Cretaceous period provide optimal conditions for producing the heart of the renowned Saumur-Champigny. After manual harvesting, the clusters are gently destemmed and left to macerate on the skins for five weeks, allowing for the completion of malolactic fermentation. Vinification takes place without sulfites in stainless steel tanks, thus preserving the authenticity and purity of the grapes. Aging occurs for at least 12 months in oak barrels, within the ancient cellars carved into the tuffeau, which offer ideal temperature and humidity conditions for wine storage.

The final result is a Saumur Champigny 'Les Terrages' that manifests with deep intensity, extraordinary complexity, and a truly intense color. On the nose, it opens with elegant notes of red fruit, almond paste, and green hints, harmoniously intertwined with mineral nuances reminiscent of Loire tradition. On the palate, it reveals itself with a silky and enveloping sip, caressing the palate with its freshness and roundness. This wine captures the very essence of its homeland, offering an unforgettable sensory experience and a journey through centuries of wine and winemaking tradition.