Saumur-Champigny
Saumur-Champigny
A red wine appellation of the Loire Valley, Saumur-Champigny is located in the central Loire and is the name given to the finest red wines of the broader Saumur appellation. The grapes of Saumur-Champigny are grown on a 10 kilometre stretch of tuffeau, a porous, yellowish metamorphic rock which regulates the water supply to the vines, and helps produces small yields of intensely flavoured fruit. The wines of Saumur-Champigny are predominantly made from Cabernet Franc, and are typically lighter in style, with fresh acidity and spicy flavours of red berries and violets. Best consumed within five to 10 years of bottling, the wine are characterised by their fruit-forward nature and expressive style.