The Madness Lucé Cuvée Autrement Saumur Champigny 2011 - 750 ml

The La Folie Lucé "Autrement" Saumur-Champigny 2011 is a red wine from the Loire Valley, more precisely from the Saumur-Champigny appellation, which is renowned for its Cabernet Franc wines. This wine is produced by La Folie Lucé , an estate that takes a biodynamic and sustainable approach to viticulture, seeking to respect the terroir and the environment as much as possible. The 2011 vintage, although older, has shown remarkable aging potential, and the Autrement cuvée is a beautiful expression of this grape variety in its purest and most elegant form.

Main features :

• Grape variety : 100% Cabernet Franc , the flagship grape variety of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. This grape variety is appreciated for its red fruit aromas, its freshness and its tannic structure which allows it to age well.
• Region : Saumur-Champigny , located in the Loire Valley. The terroir of this appellation is composed mainly of clay-limestone soils, with Atlantic climatic influences that bring a characteristic freshness to the wines.
• Vintage : 2011, a vintage of relatively cool conditions, which made it possible to produce balanced wines, with good fruit maturity and a very present acidity, conducive to aging.

Sensory profile :

• Color : The dress is ruby ​​red with slightly tiled reflections, a sign of its aging. The color is deep, but with a certain transparency typical of the great Cabernet Franc, which expresses well the finesse of this grape variety.
• Nose : The nose is complex and evolving, with aromas of ripe red fruits (cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant) that mingle with spicier notes of pepper, liquorice and tobacco. There are also touches of undergrowth, leather and a light vegetal side that brings freshness, typical of well-aged Cabernet Franc .
• Palate : On the palate, this wine stands out for its supple structure and perfect balance between freshness and richness. The tannins, well integrated, are finely polished by time, offering a silky texture and a pleasant sensation in the mouth. The aromas of red fruits are present, but accompanied by deeper notes of undergrowth, leather and minerality, which develop further with aeration. The finish is long and elegant, with a beautiful persistence of ripe fruits and spices.

Breeding :

The La Folie Lucé "Autrement" Saumur-Champigny 2011 is aged in oak barrels, but in a measured manner so as not to mask the pure character of the Cabernet Franc. The oak aging, lasting approximately 12 to 18 months, allows the wine to stabilize and refine while integrating more complex aromas. This approach also preserves the finesse and freshness of the wine.

Aging potential :

Although the 2011 La Folie Lucé "Autrement" Saumur-Champigny is already quite ripe and approachable, it could still improve with a few more years of cellaring. It is well within its current drinking window, but could continue to evolve for another 3-5 years, gaining complexity, with aromas of underbrush, truffle and leather developing further.

Food and wine pairings :

The La Folie Lucé "Autrement" Saumur-Champigny 2011 is a complex wine, which pairs ideally with a wide variety of dishes:

• Grilled meats , such as roast beef or pork .
• Dishes in sauce , such as beef stew , wild boar stew , or coq au vin .
• Mature cheeses like brie , camembert , or goat cheese.
• Rich vegetarian dishes , such as grilled vegetables or vegetable pie .
• Fine charcuterie , such as pâté or raw ham .

Summary :

The 2011 La Folie Lucé "Autrement" Saumur-Champigny is an elegant and well-balanced red wine, which offers a beautiful aromatic complexity. The Cabernet Franc, a grape variety that can sometimes be difficult to understand in its youth, is shown here in all its finesse, with a beautiful expression of the Saumur-Champigny terroir. This mature wine has developed an interesting depth, with aromas of red fruits, spices and undergrowth, while maintaining a freshness and elegance typical of the grape variety. An excellent choice for Loire wine lovers looking for a wine with character, ready to be tasted but which will also be able to evolve with even more complexity.