2012 Terres Chaudes Saumur Rouge Domaine Roches Neuves

This is a Cabernet Franc cuvée made from grapes from several different plots in La Fosse de Chaintres and Les Dares. The average age of the vines is 30, the terroir (soil) here consists of chalk, clay and flint. All grapes are harvested manually several times and sorted to use the best grapes at the optimal time. Fermentation in cement tanks and ageing in 600 litre foudres (large oak barrels). 40% whole clusters. The wine has a lovely ruby red colour with hints of purple and cherry colour at the edge, the bouquet needs a few minutes in the glass before it opens up with lots of red berries such as cherry, blackcurrant, blueberry, a little raspberry and some spice and mint, the flavour is structured with balanced tannins, hints of eucalyptus, tobacco and cedar and olive.