2022 Saumur Rouge, Mazurique, Arnaud Lambert, Loire
About this WINE
Domaine Arnaud Lambert
Domaine Arnaud Lambert is located in the Anjou region, specifically in the village of Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg. The estate’s substantial 50-hectare holdings are situated in Saint-Cyr and Brézé, in the appellations of Saumur and Saumur-Champigny.
Arnaud Lambert began working on the family vineyards in 2005 and decided in 2009 to transition them to organic and biodynamic farming practices. His focus is always on quality, and he firmly believes that these methods enhance the quality of the grapes and help to express the true essence of the terroir in his wines.
Today, the estate is certified organic and biodynamic, reflecting its commitment to sustainable viticulture and respect for the environment. Arnaud is also innovating in the vineyard, no longer trimming his vines but instead using tressage (a technique of folding the foliage) to help manage the effects of warmer and drier summers.
The domaine has a wide array of single vineyard cuvées, each expressing its character through careful and considered winemaking. For instance, Arnaud uses yeasts that he has selected from their indigenous populations to have greater precision with fermentations. He is also a strong advocate of the need for extended ageing in oak barrels for his top wines to avoid reinforcing Cabernet Franc's austerity. His key focus is to make wines that retain freshness and purity in the face of a changing climate.
Saumur Rouge
Saumur is situated along the Loire River in the Anjou-Saumur subregion of the larger Loire Valley. It is mainly known for its red wines from Cabernet Franc, which display a range of flavours, from red and black fruit to herbal and earthy notes. In some cases, small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon or other red grape varieties may be blended in.
The region's terroir, including its soil composition and climate, plays a significant role in shaping the character of Saumur Rouge wines. The soils can vary from limestone to tuffeau, a chalky limestone, which contributes to the mineral qualities often found in the wines.
Saumur Rouge wines can be characterised by their vibrant acidity, moderate tannins, and a profile that can include red fruit flavours, such as raspberry and cherry, along with herbal and spicy notes. The wines are typically medium-bodied and can be enjoyed relatively young, though some versions benefit from ageing. They pair well with a variety of dishes. Given their moderate tannins and bright acidity, they can complement a range of foods, including roasted meats, poultry, and dishes with herbs and spices. The versatility of the wines makes them suitable for different culinary experiences.
While Saumur Rouge is known for its red wines, the broader Saumur appellation also produces sparkling wines, particularly from the Chenin Blanc grape. These sparkling wines can range from dry to sweet and are often referred to as Saumur Brut or Saumur Mousseux.
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.
When is a wine ready to drink?
We provide drinking windows for all our wines. Alongside the drinking windows there is a bottle icon and a maturity stage. Bear in mind that the best time to drink a wine does also depend on your taste.
Not ready
These wines are very young. Whilst they're likely to have lots of intense flavours, their acidity or tannins may make them feel austere. Although it isn't "wrong" to drink these wines now, you are likely to miss out on a lot of complexity by not waiting for them to mature.
Ready - youthful
These wines are likely to have plenty of fruit flavours still and, for red wines, the tannins may well be quite noticeable. For those who prefer younger, fruitier wines, or if serving alongside a robust meal, these will be very enjoyable. If you choose to hold onto these wines, the fruit flavours will evolve into more savoury complexity.
Ready - at best
These wines are likely to have a beautiful balance of fruit, spice and savoury flavours. The acidity and tannins will have softened somewhat, and the wines will show plenty of complexity. For many, this is seen as the ideal time to drink and enjoy these wines. If you choose to hold onto these wines, they will become more savoury but not necessarily more complex.
Ready - mature
These wines are likely to have plenty of complexity, but the fruit flavours will have been almost completely replaced by savoury and spice notes. These wines may have a beautiful texture at this stage of maturity. There is lots to enjoy when drinking wines at this stage. Most of these wines will hold in this window for a few years, though at the very end of this drinking window, wines start to lose complexity and decline.
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Description
The Clos Mazurique vineyard is planted with 40-year-old vines on sandy limestone soil. Made entirely in stainless-steel tanks and concrete vats, it is Arnaud Lambert’s most forward and charming single-vineyard wine. The nose is perfumed and inviting, with notes of red and black cherry, wet stone and an array of flowers. Remarkably complex for such a modest price tag, this is a delicate and juicy Cabernet Franc that would pair well with cold meats and even fish dishes.
Adam Bruntlett, Senior Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
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