13% abv, Arnaud Lambert, Brézé, imported by Favorite Brands LLC., Farmers Branch, TX. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: leaf day.
Winemaking notes: 100% Cabernet Franc, organically farmed, 30 year-old vines, very low sulfur addition. “Aged in 2/3 in 2-to-3 year old barrels for 10 months. 1/3 aged 10 months in concrete eggs. Barrels are micro-oxygenated and concrete aged wines are racked. Blended six months in stainless steel tanks before bottling, which usually takes place in December. The tuffeau limestone bedrock seems to be a key ingredient here. In the Clos du Tue-Loup, it sits below a good dose of clay supported by sand and larger limestone rocks. This structure allows more power and depth to the wine compared to a more sandy site. Vinified completely destemmed in concrete tanks with 2/3 of short maceration for 8-10 days (first 3-4 days, twice per day, then once per day), 1/3 with three weeks with infusion extraction (after first 3 days no more extractions). Maximum of 24°C fermentation temperature. Sulfites added only at bottling.”
Tasting Notre: the Brézé Saumur us medium garnet in color with a clean nose of medium intensity with aromas of wet leaves, tobacco, red currant, raspberry, and olive tapenade. On the palate this wine is dry with high acid, medium+ tannin, medium body, medium alcohol, pronounced flavor intensity and a long finish with flavors of violet, pomegranate, red licorice, anise, bitter dark chocolate, toasted coffee beans, bell pepper, and tarragon leaf. Drink now or through 2028, this wine is outstanding: 9.7/10.
