2015 Saumur-Champigny, Tradition, Clos des Cordeliers, Domaine Ratron, Loire

Clos des Cordeliers, Saumur

For over 3 centuries, Le Clos de Cordeliers has been among the most celebrated vineyards in the Saumur wine region. References to the cultivation of vines at the estate date back to the early 17th century. But it was the Cordeliers de Saumur, the Fransciscan monks that acquired the estate in 1696, who gave the place its name and fame. Over the ensuing century, they established the "clos" (the walls-surounded vineyard) and produced wine that became coveted throughout the region.

The French Revolution saw the confiscation of religious' communities property by the state. Le Clos des Cordeliers was then bought by the family of Madam Amouroux, wealthy woners of Bordeaux vineyards. Already cited among the most renowned red wines of the times, the estate is one of very few in Loire to be included in the 1830's first edition of Classification des Vins du Monde (A. Julien).

In 1932, Le Clos des Cordeliers is bought by the Ratron family, who in the years the follow expands and modernises the property. With its award winening wines, the estate is one of the founding members of the Saumur Champigny AOC, one of the Loire's most prestigious red wine appellations.

The first Cabernet Franc vines were planted at Les Clos de Cordeliers in the 19th centrury. The soil and the micro-climate proved optimal for the grape and today the entire 19 hectares of the estate consist solely of Cabernet France vines

Saumur-Champigny

The Saumur-Champigny wine region is located in the Loire Valley of France, specifically within the Anjou-Saumur area. It is renowned for producing high-quality red wines from Cabernet Franc and has held the prestigious designation of an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) since 1957.

Geographically, the region is situated on the banks of the Loire River, characterized by a diverse terroir that contributes to the unique characteristics of its wines. The vines benefit from a temperate climate influenced by the river, with warm summers and mild winters. The surrounding landscape features limestone slopes and a mix of clay, gravel, and sand soils, providing excellent drainage and ideal conditions for grape cultivation.

The dominant grape variety in Saumur-Champigny is Cabernet Franc, known locally as "Breton." It thrives in the region's terroir and produces red wines renowned for their elegance, finesse, and aromatic complexity. Cabernet Franc from Saumur-Champigny is typically characterized by its vibrant red fruit flavors, including raspberry, red currant, and cherry, along with herbal and floral notes such as violet and graphite.

Winemaking in Saumur-Champigny emphasizes the expression of the grape variety and the unique terroir. Vineyard practices include meticulous grape selection, manual harvesting, and sustainable viticultural techniques. Many producers are also adopting organic and biodynamic farming methods to enhance the quality and authenticity of the wines.

Saumur-Champigny wines are typically aged in various vessels, including stainless steel tanks, oak barrels, or a combination, depending on the winemaker's preferences. The aging process allows the wines to develop further complexity and refine their structure.

These red wines are celebrated for versatility, making them suitable for immediate consumption and aging, and they pair well with various dishes, including roasted meats, game, charcuterie, and cheeses.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is widely planted in Bordeaux and is the most important black grape grown in the Loire. In the Médoc it may constitute up to 15% of a typical vineyard - it is always blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and is used to add bouquet and complexity to the wines. It is more widely used in St.Emilion where it adapts well to the cooler and moister clay soils - Cheval Blanc is the most famous Cabernet Franc wine in the world, with the final blend consisting of up to 65% of the grape.

Cabernet Franc thrives in the Loire where the cooler growing conditions serve to accentuate the grape's herbaceous, grassy, lead pencil aromas. The best wines come from the tuffeaux limestone slopes of Chinon and Bourgeil where growers such as Jacky Blot produce intense well-structured wines that possess excellent cellaring potential.