Domaine Guiberteau Saumur 2022

Domaine Guiberteau works organically in Saumur-Champigny, in the Loire Valley, and this is its red from Cabernet Franc. The grapes grow on clay and limestone soils, the classic Loire pairing that gives Cabernet Franc bright red fruit and a chalky, savoury freshness. The estate farms without herbicides or pesticides, harvests by hand and ferments with native yeasts, letting the vineyard shape the wine rather than added cultures. Ageing is short, roughly six months in large truncoconical barrels, so the oak barely shows and the emphasis stays on the fruit and the site. Cabernet Franc grown in a cool, damp climate keeps a leafy, peppery edge, which reads here as savoury lift rather than green austerity. The colour is a bright, medium ruby. The nose leads with red currant and raspberry over dried herbs, crushed pepper and a touch of rose. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with fine tannin, brisk acidity and a clean, savoury finish. This is a red that can take a light chill. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees with roast chicken, duck or grilled vegetables.