Definition: Saumur-Champigny

The Saumur region in the Loire Valley. Production area located at the confluence of the Thouet and the left bank of the Loire, more precisely within the municipalities of Chacé, Dampierre-sur-Loire, Montsoreau, Parnay, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, Saumur, Souzay-Champigny, Turquant and Varrains in the Maine-et-Loire department. Classified as an AOC in 1957. Area under production: just over 1,330 hectares. Black grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis. Vinified as: red wine made either from Cabernet Franc alone (its name may be indicated on the label) or from a blend of black grape varieties, with Cabernet Franc always remaining mandatory. It can be kept for: around ten years on average. Has good ageing potential in the bottle. Ideal serving temperature: between 15 and 17°C. Pair with: quail canapés, poultry, fish for a young wine, lamb, roast beef or artichokes souffléed with cheese.