Domaine Lavigne Saumur-Champigny Cabernet Franc

France's Domaine Lavigne bring us this enticing vielles vignes Cabernet Franc from the small appellation of Saumur Champigny in the Loire Valley. Grapes from old vines of an average of 35 years in sustainably managed vineyards where chemical treatments are kept to a minimum with accurate forecasting, conservation the clay and chalk soils, and growing plants and grasses between vines for natural pest control. 

Grapes are fermented in stainless steel with the resulting unoaked style expressing purity of the fruit. Rich aromas are dominated by a raspberry and granite character, alongside layered blackberry. The silky, supple and generous palate shows a refreshing dryness on the finish. A versatile food pairing wine, try with your favourite roasted white or red meats, hearty vegetables, hard or soft cheeses. 

Domaine Lavigne is run by a husband and wife team and is based in Varrains in Saumur-Champigny, where they cultivate 40 hectares of Cabernet Franc and 2 hectares of Chenin Blanc vineyards. Not only sustainable for themselves, the winery has been proactively involved in a weather tower project, which has endeavoured to help the entire Saumur appellation.