Wines Saumur Arnaud Lambert - La Rue - 2020

Arnaud Lambert’s 2020 Cuvée La Rue, hailing from the Saumur AOC within the Loire Valley, is an excellent expression of a dry white wine. Composed exclusively of Chenin Blanc—a varietal that thrives in this part of France—this wine is the product of meticulous vineyard management and precise vinification. The grapes for the Cuvée La Rue are sourced from a singular plot renowned for its tuffeau limestone soils, which impart elegance and minerality. The 2020 vintage, marked by relatively cool conditions and moderate yields, has resulted in a wine with a lovely balance of freshness, aromatic purity and textural finesse. After gentle pressing, fermentation typically occurs in stainless steel or neutral barrels, preserving both the vivid acidity and the subtle complexity that this terroir confers.

The Anjou-Saumur area is steeped in viticultural tradition, situated in the heart of the Loire Valley—a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region benefits from a temperate oceanic climate, with gentle winters and warm but not excessive summers, ideal for the slow ripening of Chenin Blanc. The local soils, rich in calcareous tuffeau, encourage deep root growth and water retention, giving the wines their hallmark vivacity and minerality. Historically, Saumur has been prized both for its elegant sparkling wines and its still whites, with producers such as Arnaud Lambert championing single-vineyard bottlings that express the individuality of their origins.

This energetic, mineral-driven white pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Classic matches include freshwater fish such as pike-perch or trout, served with beurre blanc, as well as shellfish or scallops. It excels alongside goat’s cheese, notably the local Sainte-Maure or Chabichou, and can complement dishes where a touch of cream or citrus is present. For a regional touch, try it with rillettes or white asparagus, highlighting both the texture and aromatic lift of the wine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Saumur Blanc chilled but not overly cold, ideally between 10-12°C. Decanting for thirty minutes can allow the wine’s mineral and floral nuances to fully emerge. This is a wine that will reward close attention now, but a few years of cellaring may further develop its complexity.