SAUMUR
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Saumur became a Huguenot stronghold under King Henry IV. By the 12th century, it was a major centre for wine trading, thanks largely to its excellent geographical location and geological conditions. Saumur rosé is a 'tender' (just off-dry) rosé. It tends not to have the edge of sweetness characteristic of Cabernet d'Anjou, its Anjou counterpart, and can be served throughout any meal. Its 'tender' character is reflected in roundness on the attack and flavours of citrus and fresh fruit. The Saumur area incorporates the very best conditions for producing sparkling wine. Fresh wine is made from grapes grown on the slopes, and readily takes on a light sparkle; cellars for maturing the wine are dug directly into the tuffeau hillsides, and, at the foot of the hill, the river Loire waits to transport the wines to their final destination.
Climate
Temperate oceanic climate. A continental influence on the plots furthest from the Loire
Varietals
Red : cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, pineau noir, grolleau, gamay and pineau d’aunis
White : chenin
Sparkling : Chenin, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pineau d’Aunis, Gamay, Grolleau gris et noir and Pinot Noir.
Dry white, red, rosé, sparkling (white-rosé)
Annual Production*
131 900 hl
or around 17 586 667 bottles
Producers
450
Basic Yield
White : 60 hl/ha
Reds and rosés : 57 hl/ha
Conservation
6°-18°
2-15 years
White 10°
Red 16° - 18°
Rosé : 8°
Sparkling 6°-8°
Whites 5 à 15 years
Reds 5 years
Rosés are best enjoyed young
Sparklings 2 - 3 years
Food and Wine Parings
Menu
White: Light in colour with intense green or yellow highlights
Rosé: Clear, shimmering salmon pink with hints of pale rose
Red: Clear, deep reddish purple with glints of ruby Sparkling
SPARKLING
White: Translucent with hints of straw- yellow and grey, and a glimmer of gold
Rosé: Salmon pink with cherry highlights
White: White fruit compote and white flowers
Rosé: Red berries (strawberries and redcurrants), rose and peach
Red: Red berry aromas with an earthy touch of forest floor Sparkling:
SPARKLING
White: White fruit, lemon balm, hazelnuts and lmonds, with a hint of toast and vanilla
Rosé: Juicy red berries
White: Elegant, fresh, harmonious and well-balanced
Rosé: Soft, fresh and rounded - easy-to-drink. Notes of red berries and tropical fruit
Red: Supple and expressive with elegant annins
SPARKLING:
White: Fine, elegant and fresh Rosé: show a good hint of tannin
*Moyenne annuelle sur les 5 dernières années
