Château Hureau’s Saumur-Champigny Cuvée V 2011 represents a classic style of Loire Valley red wine, crafted in the heart of Anjou-Saumur. This appellation is celebrated for its elegant, fruit-driven reds, and while details about the precise blend are not specified, wines from Saumur-Champigny are traditionally made predominantly from Cabernet Franc, often supplemented by small amounts of other varieties. The 2011 vintage comes from a year marked by early flowering and a generally warm summer, which typically yielded wines of good ripeness and balance.
The Saumur-Champigny terroir is distinguished by its tuffeau limestone soils, which contribute refined minerality and freshness to the wines. The climate is temperate and oceanic, with the Loire river moderating temperatures, encouraging a lengthy ripening season ideal for producing expressive, aromatic reds such as this. The area has a long history of winemaking, dating back to medieval times, and is renowned for producing some of the Loire Valley’s most subtle and food-friendly reds.
To complement the style and structure of this wine, consider pairing it with dishes that embrace both freshness and earthiness. Loire reds are outstanding with regional specialities like rillettes de porc, roasted poultry, or grilled pork tenderloin. The wine’s supple tannins and bright acidity also make it a fine companion to roasted vegetables, lentil salads, or soft-rind cheeses such as Chaource or Saint-Nectaire. For a classic match, try it alongside tarragon-infused chicken or a simple mushroom fricassée, both of which will draw out the wine’s delicate fruit notes and herbal nuances.
When serving, allow the wine to open up by decanting if possible, and enjoy it at 15-16°C. This temperature will best showcase its balance, red fruit aromas and gentle sophistication, making for a truly pleasurable tasting moment.
