Viniou Reviews
Domaine Rocfontaine’s Saumur-Champigny 2024 is a vibrant red wine made primarily from Cabernet Franc, the signature grape of this renowned Loire Valley appellation. This vintage captures the freshness and liveliness characteristic of youthful Saumur-Champigny, expressing vividly aromatic red fruits—think raspberry, redcurrant, and just-ripe cherry—with delicate floral overtones and a subtle hint of earthy spice. The region’s terroir is defined by tuffeau limestone, which imparts finesse and a silken texture, while gentle extraction in vinification maintains the grape’s natural freshness and purity. The 2024 vintage, likely shaped by a cool growing season, translates to a wine that offers bright acidity, fine tannins, and immense drinkability even in its youth.
The Anjou-Saumur subregion sits at the heart of the Vallée de la Loire, benefitting from a temperate, ocean-influenced climate that tempers summer heat and extends the growing period, ideal for allowing Cabernet Franc to develop aromatic complexity without overripeness. Limestone and chalky soils, particularly those around Saumur, contribute to the elegance and minerality that set these wines apart. Historically, Saumur-Champigny has been esteemed for its lighter, fragrant reds, and Domaine Rocfontaine exemplifies the balance and authenticity championed in the area.
When it comes to food pairings, Saumur-Champigny is exceptionally versatile. Its lively acidity and delicate structure make it a wonderful companion for dishes such as grilled lamb cutlets, duck breast, or pork tenderloin with roasted root vegetables. Regional options include rillettes or rillons (Loire pork confit) and goat cheeses like Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, whose creamy tang finds harmony with the wine’s fruit and lift. For vegetarians, roasted aubergines with herbs or a wild mushroom tart would also be excellent partners.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 14-16°C to highlight its fruit character and refreshing vivacity. A brief aeration or decanting can help open up its bouquet, especially in the first few years after the vintage, making the most of its youthful charm and eloquence.
