Clos Rougeard
History and Background
Located in the Saumur-Champigny appellation within the Loire Valley of France, Clos Rougeard is a historical estate with deep roots extending back to the 17th century. The Foucault family, specifically under the management of two influential brothers, Charly and Nady Foucault, transformed the estate into a powerhouse of Cabernet Franc wines. The Foucault brothers, through their meticulous and innovative approach to wine production, dedicated themselves to organic viticulture and a minimal intervention style of winemaking, long before these practices became widespread in the wine industry. This approach along with their commitment to low yields and extended aging in barrels helped to cement Clos Rougeard's reputation as producing some of the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
The dedication of the Foucault brothers to maintaining the highest quality standards without compromise set a benchmark in the appellation and inspired other producers in the region to follow suit.
In 2017, Clos Rougeard underwent a significant change when the Foucault family sold it to the Bouygues brothers, Martin and Olivier, who are prominent industrialists in France and also own Château Montrose, a Bordeaux second growth. This acquisition marked a new chapter for Clos Rougeard, with the new owners expressing their intentions to uphold the legacy and high standards established by the Foucault family.
Vineyards and Terroir
Domaine Coche-Dury's vineyards are strategically located in Burgundy, primarily across the prestigious region of Meursault, with additional plots in Auxey-Duresses and Puligny-Montrachet. These areas boast limestone-rich soils mixed with clay and marl, imparting a distinctive minerality and complexity to the wines, which are celebrated for their precision and depth.
Clos Rougeard is predominantly known for its exquisite Cabernet Franc wines, which showcase the classic profile of Saumur-Champigny. The wines exhibit rich flavors, fine tannins, and a balance of fruit and acidity that speaks to the meticulous vineyard management and the favorable climatic influences of the area. Although the vineyard primarily focuses on Cabernet Franc, it also cultivates a small portion of Chenin Blanc. The Chenin Blanc is used to produce white wines that are equally revered, characterized by their vibrancy, texture, and aging potential. This inclusion of Chenin Blanc not only reflects the diversity of the Loire Valley but also the versatility and richness of the terroir at Clos Rougeard.
Wine Style and Production
Clos Rougeard is known for producing wines that are elegantly structured and exhibit a pronounced minerality, characteristic of the Saumur-Champigny terroir with its unique tuffeau limestone. These wines stand out for their aromatic purity and depth, attributes nurtured through meticulous, low-interventionist winemaking. Traditional methods, including the use of indigenous yeasts and minimal technological interference, allow the terroir and Cabernet Franc grape variety to express themselves authentically. The winemaking philosophy at Clos Rougeard underscores a profound respect for the land, with long-standing organic practices ensuring the vines are cultivated in harmony with their environment, thereby fostering biodiversity and soil health. This philosophy is part of a broader commitment to sustainability and tradition, making their wines not only a pure expression of their origin but also a testament to ecological responsibility.
Reputation
Clos Rougeard has earned cult status particularly for its exceptional Cabernet Franc wines, which are celebrated for their longevity, complexity, and exquisite expression of terroir. The estate also produces a distinguished Chenin Blanc, further showcasing their varietal expertise. Under the stewardship of the Bouygues brothers, who recently acquired the estate from the Foucault family, Clos Rougeard continues to embrace traditional, low-interventionist winemaking practices. These practices ensure a steadfast dedication to expressing the unique characteristics of their vineyards. Such a deep-rooted commitment to traditional methods and organic farming has established Clos Rougeard as a benchmark producer in the Loire Valley, continually solidifying its important place among enthusiasts and critics worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Clos Rougeard's reputation is built on a combination of traditional winemaking techniques, a profound understanding of its distinctive terroir, and a steadfast commitment to organic viticulture. Renowned for producing some of the most highly sought-after and exquisite wines, especially those from Cabernet Franc, the estate is a testament to the quality that can be achieved through meticulous, sustainable vineyard practices. Each bottle from Clos Rougeard not only reflects its origin but is also a benchmark for the potential of Loire Valley wines, offering an unparalleled experience of elegance, depth, and authenticity. For connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike seeking the pinnacle of Loire Valley viticulture, Clos Rougeard represents a premier choice.