Region: Loire Valley, France
Appellation: Saumur
Color/Style: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Franc

The towering, regal Château de Brézé just outside of Saumur is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also, historically, an important reference in fine French wine. Lauded by King Réné Anjou in the 15th century classical literature, the Château de Brézé wines were regarded with such esteem that the royals exchanged them annually with the great Sauternes of Château d’Yquem. The vineyards belonging to the Château de Brézé entered a Renaissance of their own in 2009 when Count de Colbert conferred upon Arnaud Lambert management of the viticultural estate. Arnaud immediately converted the entire 25 hectares to organic methods, with official certification as of the 2012 vintage. This movement stems first and foremost from the desire to express each individual Clos in its purest, most vibrant form.

Brézé is a unique site due to its relatively high elevation and eminently nuanced geological profile. The high composition of tuffeau, a porous, chalky limestone also used in the construction of much of the Loire’s Renaissance architecture, results in finely mineral Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Clay and sand also lend themselves to the diversity of the terroirs, giving body to the reds and richness to the whites. With five historic and clearly delimited Clos to work with, Arnaud Lambert has the incredible opportunity to truly understand and reveal the distinctions within this extraordinary appellation.