Wines Saumur Fosse-Sèche - Laurasie - 2016

Château de Fosse-Sèche’s “Laurasie” 2016 Saumur Rouge stands as a highly regarded expression from a celebrated estate in the Anjou-Saumur subregion, nestled within France’s Loire Valley. While precise details about the grape blend may vary from year to year, red Saumur wines are most commonly crafted predominantly from Cabernet Franc, occasionally complemented by small proportions of other traditional local varietals. The 2016 vintage offers a snapshot of a wonderful growing season, delivering wines noted for their freshness, purity, and poised fruit character. Depending on the house style, vinification may focus on gentle extraction to emphasise aromatic complexity over raw power, with careful élevage in inert vessels or older oak to preserve the delicate fruit and terroir transparency.

Fosse-Sèche itself is famed for its exceptional location: the estate’s vineyards are planted on unique soils rich in flint, clay, limestone, and tufa, which impart both minerality and freshness to the wines. The Saumur appellation benefits from a temperate climate, aided by the Loire River’s moderating influence, which allows grapes to ripen slowly and develop aromatic nuance while retaining crisp natural acidity. The region’s winemaking history dates back many centuries, with Saumur earning particular renown for both its sparkling and still wines. Estates like Fosse-Sèche have in recent years championed organic and biodynamic practices, further accentuating the purity and vibrancy of their terroir-driven reds.

The elegant structure and lively acidity of this Saumur rouge make it a rewarding partner to a variety of dishes. Classic pairings from the Loire include rillettes, duck breast with berries, or roast pigeon, but the wine’s aromatic lift and moderate tannins also suit roasted vegetables, stuffed mushrooms, or lentil casseroles. If you wish to keep things regional, try it with ragoût d’anguilles or grilled goat’s cheese, and don’t hesitate to serve lightly chilled alongside charcuterie.

For optimal enjoyment, decant this wine for an hour to open up its aromatic profile, then serve at a temperature around 15-16°C. This range will showcase its bright fruit, subtle floral notes, and refreshing finish. The 2016 vintage can be enjoyed now or cellared for a few more years if you prefer a more integrated, mellow profile.