Chateau de Villeneuve Saumur Champigny
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Terrific exposure, combined with lowest in the appellation yields and natural farming, make for unusually intense fruit material in a basic Samur Champigny AOC wine – For this reason Jean-Pierre does very little in the way of remontage (remontage takes place only three times in total!!!), a situation that further distinguishes this wine by keeping the tannins unusually silky
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Franc
Elaboration: Entirely handpicked in the morning, brought to the winery on the estate where it is sorted, destemmed and delivered to tank with gravity. No Saignée. Fermented in stainless steel with native yeast and punched down once per day. After it is finished fermenting, 40% is kept in stainless steel, 30% is moved to new oak and 30% to second use French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: A vibrant Cabernet Franc with bright varietal notes, bursting with ripe fruit and acidity.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Chateau de Villeneuve has been continuously producing since 1577. Jean-Pierre Chevalier is a 4th generation viticulturist. His parents were producers in Dampierre-sur-Loirecomes and purchased this winery in 1969. The property covers 25 hectares of vineyards planted on a limestone terrace overlooking the Loire River and produces AOC Saumur and Saumur-Champigny. The farming and winemaking are certified organic since 2011. Any SO2 additions are extremely minimal.