Clos Rougeard : Le Bourg 2017

Characteristics and tasting advice for Clos Rougeard Le Bourg 2017

Tasting

Color
The color shows a deep ruby-red hue.

Nose
The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity with notes of blackcurrant, black cherry, and dried violet. Secondary nuances of tobacco, cigar box, and crushed slate enrich the bouquet, reflecting barrel aging and the mineral expression of the limestone terroir.

Palate
On the palate, the wine reveals a powerful, balanced structure. Flavors of blackberry and black plum are supported by silky, refined tannins typical of old vines. Striking freshness carried by lively acidity brings elegance despite the wine’s concentration. The mid-palate develops aromas of tobacco, dried herbs, and slate-like minerality, with subtle toasty notes. The finish lingers long, with flavors of black fruit and spices.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs beautifully with fine red meats such as beef Wellington, roasted leg of lamb, or spiced duck breast. It also matches well with aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Le Bourg 2017 can be enjoyed now after one hour of decanting, but will continue to evolve favorably until around 2047, or even beyond under optimal storage conditions. Ideally serve between 16 and 18°C.

An iconic single-parcel cuvée from Clos Rougeard in Saumur-Champigny

The estate

Founded in 1664 in Chacé in the Loire Valley, Clos Rougeard remained the property of the Foucault family for eight successive generations. Brothers Jean-Louis and Bernard Foucault ran the estate from 1969 to 2017, turning it into a global reference for Cabernet Franc thanks to their pioneering commitment to organic viticulture and their non-intervention philosophy. In June 2017, the Bouygues family acquired the estate, committing to preserve the approach established by the Foucaults. Today, Cyril Chirouze oversees the operation, maintaining the estate’s legendary quality standards across its 15 hectares of vines spread over 25 parcels.

The vineyard

Le Bourg comes from a parcel of around one hectare located in the historic heart of the village of Chacé, within the Saumur-Champigny appellation. The vines, aged 75 to 95 years, take root in soil made up of a thin layer of clay resting directly on a substantial limestone base. This composition creates natural water stress that concentrates aromas and phenolic compounds. Tuffeau, a regional stone formed during the Turonian era and combining sand, marine fossils, and porous rock, gives the wine its vibrant minerality and characteristic freshness. The parcel’s optimal south-facing exposure promotes full phenolic ripeness.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for this Le Bourg 2017 cuvée were harvested by hand with rigorous sorting in the vineyard and then in the cellar. After complete destemming, the berries fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats for four to six weeks, with some punch-downs carried out by foot. The wine was then aged for 18 to 24 months in French oak barrels, 75 to 80% of which were new. After bottling, the wine rested for a minimum of three additional years in natural cellars dug into the tuffeau before release. No fining or filtration was performed.

Grape variety

100% Cabernet Franc