Saumur-Champigny Les 3 Jean 2007 Tasting Notes

Saumur-Champigny Les 3 Jean 2005

Our Option wine, the exclusive Saumur-Champigny cuvée Les 3 Jean, is from the remarkable 2005 vintage which achieved a Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge last year.

2005 was a superb year for producing wine in many areas of France, and the Loire was no exception. The summer weather was a perfect balance of hot sunny weather and lower than average rainfall, leading to a harvest in October when the grapes were in a supreme ripe condition. Les 3 Jean is made from Cabernet Franc grapes grown on terroir with a high proportion of sandy soils, which contributes to the distinctive taste, and makes for a wine that repays long-term cellaring.

Brilliant ruby in colour, the wine has a very expressive bouquet: a cocktail of raspberry, cherry and blackberry. On the palate you immediately notice the fruit, together with firm but smooth tannins and gentle acidity, making this a delicious wine to drink now.

Try it on its own served just below room temperature, or slightly chilled in the summer, when it is the perfect partner to cold meats and summer salads. Its soft tannins also make it a wonderful accompaniment to roasts, especially lamb and beef. Like all good Loire reds made from the Cabernet Franc grape, this wine will also keep well and develop more complexity in bottle if carefully cellared for up to ten years.

Not only did the Mary brothers receive a Silver Medal for Les 3 Jean 2005 at last year’s International Wine Challenge, they were also presented with the first ever Trophy for Loire reds for their Saumur-Champigny 2005. Quite a year all round for our first ever winemakers!