Saumur-Champigny Les Cerisiers de Targé 750 ML

Appellation: AOC Saumur-Champigny Grape Varieties: 100% Cabernet Franc Yield: 50 hl/ha Soil: Clay soil on Tuffeau subsoil. This rock is a sedimentary limestone formation from the Turonian age, 90 million years ago. The roots grow down in the top 70 to 90 cm of clay (25-35 inches), feeding the young vines, then get around the Tuffeau to find water and new nutrients that are naturally brought up through the rock by capillarity. Climate: The meso-climate of the Saumur region is the hottest and driest in the entire Loire Valley. Vinification: The grapes are put in stainless steel tanks with thermoregulation to start with a cold maceration, then a controlled temperature fermentation. Aerations of the wine and temperature are modulated depending on the vintage, with the aim of producing a harmonious, fruity, and elegant wine while keeping texture and volume on the palate. Aging: In stainless steel tanks, for a bottling in June. Alcohol: 13-13.5%, depending on the vintage Cellaring: Gets to its optimum between 1 and 4 years and will develop beautifully up to 6-8 years. Serving Temperature: Around 15°C (59°F) Food Pairing: Pairs well with light but flavorsome dishes, such as steak with shallots, turkey and orange, skate with capers, and monkfish in mustard sauce. Perfect also with fresh peppered goat cheese — St. Maure de Touraine being the winemaker’s favorite. Tasting Notes: Fruit-filled Cabernet Franc, lightly spiced on the nose and backed-up with soft tannins and ripe redcurrant and blackberry aromas in the mouth. Much appreciated in restaurants, as it complements equally spiced fishes, meat, and light dishes. The domain has been invested in sustainable development for more than a decade now, and has been awarded each year since 2000 when it joined the Terra Vitis label.  Progressively since 2009, all of the vines have been cultivated without weed killer, insecticide, or chemical fertilizer.