Domaine Théo Blet

Théo is the fourth-generation Saumur winemaker of his family and is slowly taking vines over from his father. Théo is a winemaker and not a vine farmer like his father. Gradually, he is taking the reins of key parcels from the 16-hectare family domaine to make his own-labelled cuvées.

With a deep respect for the land, Théo started organic conversion two years ago on the plots from which he makes his wines. Everything is picked by hand. His 100% Chenin cuvée, La Peyanne, is his flagship wine and a lieu-dit in the commune de Courchamps. Only 3,500 bottles were produced in 2022. Théo also decided to make a 100% Cabernet Franc cuvée called Le Corbin situated in the commune of Ulmes. Only 1,500 bottles were produced in 2022.

Today, La Peyanne and Le Corbin represent one hectare of production, while the remaining grapes continue to be sent to the local cooperative his father has been working with for years. The idea is to expand the production area for Théo’s own domaine label in the coming years. He states that his challenge is re-establishing wine production across the estate to showcase several generations' heritage. With only a few vintages, he is already making noise in the Loire as a young, dynamic grower with big projects in mind. He is certainly one to watch in the coming years.

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 Émilion, where it adapts well to the cooler and moister clay soils.

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 Bourgueil.