(4th August 2008)
Frantz Saumon’s small office at the base of the coteaux that leads up through the wine village of Husseau is full of furniture. “It all belongs to Stéphane Cossais,” explains Frantz, “he’s in the process of moving house.” Cossais is another of Montlouis’ newcomers. We taste in Frantz’s cramped limestone cave. He now has 6.5 hectares of vines and I’m impressed by his wines, in particular the Clos du Chêne 2006, which is on the premier côte above Montlouis. The vineyard has some Chenin vines that are around 90 to 100 years old. The 2006 is rich, complex with a fine mineral finish. Certainly a bottle that will age well assuming you are lucky enough to have some as Frantz has little or no stock of this left. (A more complete profile of Frantz Saumon will be available when full site is launched.)
Frantz Saumon
10 Rue Rocheroux 37270 Montlouis-sur-Loire Tel: 02.47.35.83.65
2 comments:
Jim
just drinking the 'minerale+' as I write - it's a fantastically pure, intense Chenin
Jamie. Salut! There are a remarkable number of new producers in Montlouis making very fine wines. Particularly remarkable as it is really a pretty small appellation – still the same is true in Jasnières.
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