Domaine du Collier La Ripaille' Saumur Rouge, Loire Valley 2018

Domaine du Collier 2017 'Charpentrie' Saumur Rouge, Loire Valley, France

Domaine du Collier was established in 1999 by Antoine Foucault and Caroline Boireau. Antoine cut his teeth at the famed Clos Rougeard in Saumur-Champigny, working with his father and uncle, Charly and Nady Foucault. The domaine is located in the commune of Brézé within the Loire Valley appellation of Saumur Champigny. The estate is comprised of 6.5 hectares of vines dedicated to Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. Two-thirds of the estate is planted to Chenin, most of which are old vines and some pushing 100 years of age. The remaining third is planted to Cabernet Franc, namely in the important lieu-dits of La Ripaille and La Charpentrie. Currently there are four wines produced with a total annual production of approximately 1200 cases.

Farming:  Organic

Winemaker: Antoine Foucault

Grape Varieties: 100% Cabernet Franc

Soil / Terroir: Limestone; Chalky tuffeau. Old vine Cabernet Franc from La Ripaille vineyard on the hillsides of Brézé. Hand-harvested from vines aged 30 to 60 years.

Vinification: As a proponent of natural viticulture and winemaking, Antoine uses no chemical fungicides or fertilizers on the vines, and all harvesting is done by hand. In the cellar the wines are pressed off and barreled down and then left alone until they are ready.  No racking, no SO2, no added yeast,etc.  24-36 month extended aging without racking in a very cold underground cellar in a combination of barrels and some Stockinger brand foudres.