Wines Unspecified Sam Harrop - Grand Amateur - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Produced by Sam Harrop in the glorious Loire Valley, the 2018 Cuvée Grand Amateur is a red wine that exemplifies both innovation and respect for tradition. While the precise blend is not detailed, Loire reds typically congregate around Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, or Gamay, often lending a wine that is fresh, vibrant, and elegantly structured. The 2018 vintage experienced a warm, consistent growing season, which allowed full phenolic maturity and expressive aromatic development. Sam Harrop’s expertise is evident in the careful crafting of this cuvée, with a vinification approach that seeks to preserve varietal character while extracting supple tannins and a silky texture. Expect a nose of ripe red cherry, wild strawberry, and perhaps hints of pepper and floral notes, underpinned by a mineral freshness that’s a hallmark of the region.

The Loire Valley is renowned for its diversity, both in grape varieties and terroirs. Spanning several sub-regions, its viticulture is shaped by the Atlantic influence to the west and a patchwork of limestone, clay, and gravel soils. The moderate climate, with sufficient sunshine and cool nights, promotes a slow ripening process, yielding wines with notable acidity and finesse. The valley’s viticultural history stretches back centuries, and it remains a bastion of both classic wine production and youthful creativity, with producers such as Sam Harrop leading the charge.

For food pairings, the Cuvée Grand Amateur’s lively fruit and fresh acidity make it a superb match for Loire specialities such as rillettes de Tours, roasted guinea fowl, or a classic chèvre chaud salad. It will also pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, charcuterie, or a wild mushroom tart, highlighting the wine's supple tannins and bright profile.

Serve this Loire red slightly cool to enhance its freshness. A recommended serving temperature is 14-16°C. Decanting for thirty minutes will help open up the perfume and soften the tannins, allowing the wine’s true character to shine. This is a wine to enjoy over the next 4-6 years for peak freshness and vibrancy.