These Cabernet Franc vines are between 50 and 110 years old, rooted in clay-limestone. The fruit is tank fermented, and the wine is aged in 1-to-2-year barrels for 9 months. The result is youthful, peppery, fresh, and delicious. It inherits a baking spice note (especially clove and allspice) from the barrel aging, but in time this will fade into dark complexity. The tannins are modest, the acidity is forward, and there are flavors of black brambly fruit and cherries.
Pair it now with just about anything savory, rich, and delicious: poultry, pork, rare beef, cured meats, cheeses, bread and butter.
2016 Domaine des Sanzay Vieilles Vignes Saumur-Champigny
13% abv | $22 Imported by Ansonia Wines
