MANOIR de la TÊTE ‘Bagatelle’ Saumur Rouge '22

From the historic Manoir de la Tête Rouge estate in Saumur (Loire Valley), a family property with roots dating back to 1649. Certified organic since 1998 and biodynamic since 2010, this flagship cuvée is 100% Cabernet Franc drawn from six parcels of 15–30-year-old vines planted on a mosaic of clay-limestone (Turonian) and flinty silex soils.

The 2022 vintage pours a luminous carmine red. The nose is bright and inviting — fresh raspberry, ripe red cherry, wild blackberry, a touch of violet, and the classic Saumur hint of black pepper and soft earth. On the palate it is light-to-medium bodied, juicy, and supremely fresh, with vibrant acidity, silky tannins, and flavors of red plum, juicy raspberry, cherry pit, and a mineral-edged finish. Gentle winemaking (short infusion maceration, native-yeast fermentation, 9 months in concrete tank, minimal sulfur) keeps everything pure, energetic, and true to the terroir.