Saphir

In the glass

Aroma: white flowers, peach, acacia, honey, hazelnut

Palate: red apple, orange zest, biscuit, fresh citrus

The Bouvet flagship Saumur Brut: Chenin Blanc led with a touch of Chardonnay, 18 months on the lees in tuffeau cellars. Pale gold with hints of amber, white-flower and honeyed fruit aromas, brisk red-apple and biscuit on the palate.

What it pairs with

• Goat-cheese gougeres
  Saumur Brut and warm Loire goat cheese is a textbook regional aperitif pairing.
• Grilled prawns with lemon
  Citrus zest on the palate and the wine's brisk acidity refresh sweet shellfish.
• Roast chicken with tarragon
  Honeyed Chenin Blanc fruit lifts herbal poultry without overpowering it.
• Sushi and sashimi
  High acidity and fine mousse cut through soy and rice without competing with raw fish.

How to serve Bouvet Saphir

Allow 25 minutes from open to pour.

1. Chill the bottle. Cool to 8 to 10 C, ideally in an ice bucket with water and ice for 20 minutes rather than the freezer.
2. Open and pour gently. Tilt the glass and pour slowly down the side to preserve the fine bubbles and lift the white-flower aromatics.
3. Use a tulip flute or white-wine glass. A tulip or small white-wine glass funnels the aroma better than a tall flute or coupe.
4. Pair with the food. Serve as an aperitif with goat-cheese gougeres, with grilled prawns and lemon, or with sushi and sashimi.

History

Saphir is Bouvet-Ladubay's anchor Saumur Brut cuvee, named for the bottle's deep blue label and matured at least 18 months on the lees in the tuffeau caves at Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent.

1. 1851: Maison Bouvet-Ladubay founded by Etienne Bouvet and Celestine Ladubay
2. 2015: Monmousseau family completes management buy-back of the house

Facts

Producer

Bouvet Ladubay · visiting guide

Grapes

Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay

Classification

Saumur AOC

Oak

stainless steel; minimum 18 months on the lees

ABV

12.5%

Price

EUR 12 to 18 at retail

Drinking window

1 to 5 from vintage

First vintage

1980

Frequently asked about Saphir

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