Antoine Sanzay Saumur-Champigny La Paterne 2023

Antoine Sanzay works in Saumur-Champigny, an appellation of the Loire between the Loire and Thouet rivers, and farms his Cabernet Franc organically. This is the heartland of Loire Cabernet Franc, where the vines grow on tuffeau, a soft chalky limestone that drains well and reflects light onto the fruit while its cool subsoil holds moisture through the summer, giving the wine both ripeness and a clear mineral savour. La Paterne is made in the fresher, unoaked style of the region, matured for around nine months in concrete tanks that let it settle without adding wood flavour, so the varietal character stays pure. At 13.5% alcohol it is medium bodied and lively. It pours a bright ruby purple. The nose leads with red currant, red berries and cherry over a lift of black pepper and a green, leafy note typical of the grape. The palate is fresh and savoury, the tannins fine grained and the finish clean and earthy. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled if you prefer. It suits roast and grilled meats and goats' cheese.