Sanzay Saumur Champigny VV 2023

The Loire Valley continues to be one of the most exciting corners of winemaking in France, where organic viticulture, balanced wines, and affordable prices are the rule rather than the exception. Our source for these reds is the Domaine des Sanzay, a fifth generation organic domaine in Saumur-Champigny in the central Loire. Their unblended Cabernet Franc wines have become highly popular in our warehouse, opening tasters’ eyes to a new expression of the grape.

The Saumur-Champigny Vieilles Vignes spends a year in big barrels and the current release is the 2023. It’s darker and more serious than the regular cuvée, with the old vines bringing concentration and depth of flavor. The nose is dried roses and wild cherries; the mouth is dark and rugged with earthy notes and a delicious saline finish. The old-vine cuvée lasts far longer on the palate, with more supporting tannin.