Domaine de Nerleux 2019 Saumur-Champigny Clos des Châtains Cabernet Franc

Amélie Neau grew up in the town of Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg in the Loire Valley of France and is ninth generation winemaker in her family.    Clos des Chatains has been a bastion since the restoration of the property in the 1930's and 1940's.  The vines themselves were planted in 1953 with half of it replanted in the 1990's and they continue to reap the benefits of such rich limestone and chalky soils. Though there's no legal definition of "Old Vines", these qualify for the term by anyone's definition!

The 2019 Clos des Chatains is 100% Cabernet Franc with flavors of black fruit , subtle spice and notes of violet.  The finish is medium to full-bodied with smooth, rustic  tannins.

Pairs well with mushroom based dishes, roasted green vegetables, fried chicken, lamb, sausages and beef.