In the glass
Aroma: red plum, blackcurrant, violet, rose petal
Palate: red cherry, fine tannin, saline mineral, long elegant finish
The estate's village-level cuvee, blending parcels around the cellars at Chace. More accessible than Le Bourg and Les Poyeux but with the Clos Rougeard signature: fine tannin, mineral length, and a perfumed lift.
What it pairs with
-
Coq au vin de Chinon
Loire chicken classic and the wine's red plum and violet register align. -
Roast leg of lamb with herbs
Herbal lamb and the wine's fine tannin and saline length are mutually flattering. -
Sainte-Maure de Touraine on toast
Ash-rolled goat cheese and Cabernet Franc are a regional staple.
History
Le Clos is the estate's village-level Saumur-Champigny, blending parcels around the historic cellars. The Foucault brothers established the modern version of this cuvee in the late 1980s.
- 1988 — First vintage of the modern Le Clos cuvee
Facts
- Producer
- Clos Rougeard
- Grapes
- Cabernet Franc (100%)
- Classification
- Saumur-Champigny AOC
- Oak
- 16 to 20 months in oak barriques, around 25 percent new
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 200 to 450 at retail
- Drinking window
- 8 to 25 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1988
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Vinous 93 (2018 vintage, reviewed 2021)
Frequently asked about Le Clos
What does Le Clos taste like?
Red plum, blackcurrant, violet and rose petal on the nose; red cherry, fine tannin, saline mineral and a long elegant finish on the palate. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity.
When should I drink Le Clos?
Drink between 8 and 25 years from vintage. Decant 60 to 90 minutes for young vintages.
What food pairs with Le Clos?
Coq au vin de Chinon, roast leg of lamb with herbs, and Sainte-Maure de Touraine on toast are all strong matches.
What classification does Le Clos have?
Saumur-Champigny AOC, the village-level cuvee at Clos Rougeard, blending parcels around the historic cellars at Chace.