Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2016: best 2026 to 2051.
vintage10 yrs35 yrs37 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2019201595/100
Vinous reviewed 2020201694/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: dark cherry, fresh tobacco, iris, graphite

Palate: blackberry, cedar, fine tannin, long mineral length

Cult Saumur-Champigny from the Les Poyeux climat. More aromatic and slightly lighter-footed than Le Bourg, with dark cherry, tobacco and a long, fine-tannin mineral length.

What it pairs with

  • Roast saddle of venison
    Game and the wine's tobacco-and-cedar register align directly.
  • Duck a l'orange
    Caramelised duck and the wine's dark fruit are mutually flattering.
  • Black truffle and parmesan risotto
    Truffle and the wine's graphite-mineral length align.

History

Les Poyeux is bottled from the climat of the same name, a clay-limestone parcel adjacent to Le Bourg. The Foucault brothers established the modern Les Poyeux cuvee from 1988.

  1. 1988: First vintage of the modern Les Poyeux cuvee

Facts

Producer
Clos Rougeard · visiting guide
Grapes
Cabernet Franc (100%)
Classification
Saumur-Champigny AOC
Oak
20 to 24 months in oak barriques, around 50 percent new
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 300 to 700 at retail
Drinking window
10 to 35 from vintage
First vintage
1988
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Les Poyeux

What does Les Poyeux taste like?

Dark cherry, fresh tobacco, iris and graphite on the nose; blackberry, cedar, fine tannin and a long mineral length on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity.

When should I drink Les Poyeux?

Drink between 10 and 35 years from vintage. Decant 90 minutes for young vintages; mature bottles need careful handling for sediment.

What food pairs with Les Poyeux?

Roast saddle of venison, duck a l'orange, and black truffle and parmesan risotto are all canonical matches.

Where is Les Poyeux made?

From the Les Poyeux climat, a clay-limestone parcel adjacent to Le Bourg in the Saumur-Champigny AOC.

Tags

cabernet franc cellar worthy cult wine dry firm tannin full body high acid iconic mood contemplative mood elegant occasion cellar occasion special old world organic pairs with game pairs with mushroom pairs with red meat pairs with truffles price luxury single vineyard still red vegan

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