Lisagathe by Chateau du Hureau

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: blackcurrant, crushed limestone, cedar, graphite

Palate: cassis, chalky tannin, espresso, long savoury length

The estate's flagship single-vineyard cuvee, named for Philippe Vatan's daughters Lise and Agathe. Tuffeau-limestone Cabernet Franc with cedar, chalk and a savoury, espresso-tinged finish.

What it pairs with

Roast saddle of venison
Game and the wine's cedar-and-graphite spine align.
Beef Wellington with mushroom duxelles
Fillet beef in pastry meets the wine's chalk and full body.
Mature Comte 30 months
Crystalline nutty cheese sharpens the wine's mineral length.
Truffled poularde de Bresse
Truffle and the wine's cedar-and-espresso register align.

History

Lisagathe was created by Philippe Vatan around 2000, named for his daughters. The cuvee anchors the upper end of the Hureau range with structured, age-worthy Cabernet Franc.

2000 — First vintage of Lisagathe

Facts

Producer: Chateau du Hureau
Grapes: Cabernet Franc (100%)
Classification: Saumur-Champigny AOC
Oak: 18 to 24 months in oak demi-muids, around 30 percent new
ABV: 13.5%
Price: EUR 32 to 50 at retail
Drinking window: 8 to 25 from vintage
First vintage: 2000
Organic: ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan: Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Scores

Wine Advocate 92 (2018 vintage, reviewed 2020)
Vinous 92 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)

Frequently asked about Lisagathe

What does Lisagathe taste like?

Blackcurrant, crushed limestone, cedar and graphite on the nose; cassis, chalky tannin, espresso and a long savoury length on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity.

When should I drink Lisagathe?

Drink between 8 and 25 years from vintage. Decant 60 to 90 minutes for young vintages.

What food pairs with Lisagathe?

Roast saddle of venison, beef Wellington with mushroom duxelles, mature Comte 30 months, and truffled poularde de Bresse are all canonical matches.

How long is Lisagathe aged?

18 to 24 months in oak demi-muids with around 30 percent new oak, the most heavily barriqued cuvee in the Chateau du Hureau range.

Lisagathe