Terrence Chim | August 5, 2026
Clos Rougeard has long been one of our favourites from the Loire Valley, crafting what many consider to be the defining expression of Cabernet Franc. With a history dating back to 1664, Clos Rougeard has earned its near-mythical status among oenophiles for its pioneering organic and biodynamic viticulture, coupled with a minimalist approach introduced by the brothers, Charly and Nady Foucault, in the late 1960s.
The estate covers just 15 hectares at the heart of Saumur-Champigny, comprising 25 individual plots organically cultivated on a tuffeau plateau with clay and limestone, an ideal terroir for crafting expressive Cabernet Franc.
In the cellar, the philosophy remains one of restraint and patience: the reds undergo a native yeast fermentation and maceration with a modest amount of extraction, followed by 18 to 24-month élevage in small oak barrels depending on the vintage, resulting in wines of deep, structured fruits, with silky tannins that exhibit outstanding longevity.
The estate’s signature cuvée, Le Clos, is crafted from 15 different plots stretching the commune of Chacé, Varrains and Dampierre-sur-Loire. It is celebrated for its crisp red fruits, earthy complexity, and subtle floral spice. Les Poyeux, meanwhile, is the next step forward – a single-vineyard cuvée that combines greater depth and refinement, with the ability to evolve gracefully over decades.
