Saumur rouge 2009, Clos Rougeard

Saumur rouge 2009, Clos Rougeard

Clos Rougeard – The Iconic Loire Valley Estate

Clos Rougeard is one of the most legendary and sought-after domaines in the Loire Valley, producing some of the most refined and age-worthy Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines in the world. Nestled in the heart of Saumur-Champigny, this historic estate has been revered for centuries, with its reputation reaching cult status under the meticulous stewardship of the Foucault brothers, Charly and Nady. Their commitment to biodynamic farming, low-intervention winemaking, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence elevated Clos Rougeard to an elite level, making their wines some of the most coveted in France and beyond.

A Legacy of Excellence

Clos Rougeard has been family-owned since the 17th century, but it was in the mid-20th century that the Foucault brothers turned it into a benchmark estate. Their philosophy was rooted in organic farming long before it became a trend, believing that great wines are made in the vineyard, not the cellar. They adopted low yields, old vines, and extended aging in carefully selected oak barrels, ensuring a remarkable purity of fruit, structure, and depth in every bottle.

Following Charly Foucault’s passing in 2015, the domaine was acquired in 2017 by the Bouygues family, owners of Château Montrose in Bordeaux. While this marked a new chapter, Clos Rougeard’s winemaking ethos remains unchanged, maintaining the same meticulous approach that made it legendary.

The Vineyards & Terroir

Clos Rougeard is famed for its exceptional limestone-rich terroir in Saumur and Saumur-Champigny. The domaine cultivates Cabernet Franc with unparalleled precision, producing wines of extraordinary elegance, structure, and longevity. They also craft a small amount of Chenin Blanc, which results in some of the most refined and age-worthy expressions of Saumur Blanc.

Clos Rougeard’s vineyards are divided into several distinct parcels, each producing wines of unique character:

• Le Bourg – The crown jewel, sourced from old vines on deep limestone soils, producing the most powerful and age-worthy Saumur-Champigny.

• Les Poyeux – A more elegant and perfumed expression, marked by finesse and minerality.

• Clos – A classic Saumur-Champigny, showcasing the domaine’s signature style of purity and precision.

• Brézé – A stunning Chenin Blanc from one of the Loire’s most prestigious terroirs, combining richness, acidity, and remarkable aging potential.

Winemaking Philosophy

Clos Rougeard’s wines are crafted with a minimalist and patient approach. The estate relies on natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, long macerations, and extended aging in carefully chosen barrels, often sourced from top Bordeaux châteaux. The result is a wine with incredible depth, fine-grained tannins, and the ability to age for decades.

Unlike many modern producers, Clos Rougeard never rushes its releases. The wines are aged until they reach optimal balance, ensuring that each bottle delivers the unmistakable signature of the estate: elegance, complexity, and terroir-driven purity.

The Cult Status & Rarity

Clos Rougeard’s wines are among the most highly allocated and difficult to obtain in the world, with demand far exceeding supply. Collectors and sommeliers revere these wines for their incredible longevity, evolving beautifully over decades. The estate’s limited production and near-mythical reputation make each bottle a true treasure.

Clos Rougeard is more than just a winery—it is a symbol of uncompromising quality, tradition, and Loire Valley excellence. Whether it’s the legendary Le Bourg, the elegant Les Poyeux, or the mineral-driven Brézé, every wine from this domaine offers a profound and unforgettable experience. For lovers of Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, Clos Rougeard represents the pinnacle of what these varietals can achieve.