Clos Rougeard
Overview
Clos Rougeard is (or was) the undisputed benchmark for Saumur-Champigny, made for generations by the Foucault brothers from old vines on tuffeau limestone soils. Gilman describes it as a “First Growth” equivalent for Loire red wine. The estate has since been sold and is no longer in the hands of the Foucault family. The cellar notes with concern that the Bourg bottling under the Foucaults was “overtly new oaky in personality” — a characteristic that newer producers in the area (like Domaine des Closiers’ Trezellières) seek to emulate more judiciously with only partial new oak.
Appellations
- Saumur-Champigny — les Poyeux and le Bourg (two flagship cuvées)
Key Wines
- Saumur-Champigny “les Poyeux” — flagrantly brilliant; 2009 scored 95 at 15 years of age; still “a tad on the young side”
- Saumur-Champigny “le Bourg” — historically noted for more overt new oak; the epitome of the appellation’s potential
Style Notes
Pure, full-bodied Cabernet Franc on tuffeau limestone: cassis, chalky tuffeau soil tones, juniper berries, cigar wrapper, vanillin oak, woodsmoke. Extraordinary length. Gilman’s 2009 les Poyeux note (tasted 2023 and 2024): “There is a winemaking polish to this wine that cried out ‘First Growth’ on both the nose and palate.” Very long-lived — 2009 still advised to defer for 5+ more years.
My Tastings
(The user holds Clos Rougeard bottles in their cellar — see My Cellar)
Sources
sources/articles/VFTC/VFTC May-June 2024 #111.txt— Annual Loire Report, Saumur-Champigny section (page 113): 2009 les Poyeux tasting note (95 points)