Founded in 1664 in the village of Chacé, Clos Rougeard is one of the most prestigious wine estates in the Loire Valley. Over the centuries, eight generations of the Foucault family have succeeded one another, maintaining and perfecting the estate’s winemaking practices. In the 1970s, Charly and Nady Foucault, representing the eighth generation, undertook a true revolution by adopting organic farming methods long before they became a trend.
Charly Foucault, a true visionary, dedicated himself to creating wines that could rival the finest grands crus, while adhering to a simple philosophy: allow the wine to express itself naturally. Together with his brother Nady, they established Clos Rougeard as a global reference, particularly through their unique winemaking techniques and wines produced without the use of chemicals.
Following Charly’s death in 2015, the estate was acquired by the Bouygues family in 2017, which also owns Château Montrose in Saint Estèphe, marking a new era for this iconic estate. Since 2022, under the direction of Cyril Chirouze, Clos Rougeard has continued to uphold its high standards of quality, while preserving the legacy of the Foucault brothers.
Clos Rougeard spans 15 hectares across 25 distinct plots, primarily on clay-limestone soils. This exceptional terroir, respected and preserved for generations, is home to ancient vines, some of which are over 100 years old. The estate has never used chemicals, fostering a rich biodiversity that contributes to the unique quality of its wines.
Most of the vines are planted with Cabernet Franc, the emblematic grape variety of the Saumur-Champigny appellation, while a small portion is dedicated to Chenin Blanc, used for the estate's white cuvées. The diverse soil composition enables the production of wines with unparalleled depth and finesse, all while remaining true to the pure expression of nature.
At Clos Rougeard, winemaking is considered a gentle and minimalist process. The key principle: let time do its work. After meticulous hand harvesting, the grapes are carefully handled to preserve their purity and unique character.
The wines are vinified without any chemical intervention, respecting the natural cycles of the wine. Ageing takes place over 18 to 30 months in oak barrels, in tuffeau stone cellars more than seven metres underground. This lengthy ageing process allows the wines to develop complex aromas, an elegant structure, and a smooth texture.
Clos Rougeard produces four emblematic cuvées, each expressing the unique characteristics of its terroir.
Le Clos: Made from 15 clay-limestone plots in Saumur-Champigny, Le Clos stands out for its delicate floral and spicy aromas. This wine showcases the crisp fruit of the Cabernet Franc while maintaining an elegant freshness. It is ideal for those seeking a refined and balanced wine.
Les Poyeux: This cuvée comes from a 3-hectare plot with a unique terroir of draining clay and aeolian sands. Les Poyeux is a wine that stands out for its finesse and elegance. Its floral and red berry notes give it immediate charm, while retaining exceptional ageing potential.
Le Bourg: Made from very old vines planted on a predominantly limestone terroir, this wine is more powerful, with aromas of ripe fruit and a dense texture. Thanks to careful vinification and long ageing, Le Bourg reveals impressive complexity and requires several years of cellaring to reach its peak.
Brézé: An iconic white wine from the estate, Brézé is a Chenin Blanc from a calcareous terroir of exception. This wine, characterised by its minerality and salinity, offers unique aromatic richness with exotic notes. Its structure and smoothness make it a wine of great personality.
Clos Rougeard produces wines that evolve beautifully over time. Notable recent vintages include : 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1996, 1995, 1990, and 1989…
The Loire Valley is a viticultural region of immense richness, renowned for the diversity and quality of its wines. Besides Clos Rougeard, several other estates in the Saumur and Saumur-Champigny regions are well worth the attention of wine lovers. These include Didier Dagueneau, Stéphane Bernaudeau, Richard Leroy, and François Cotat, all of which uphold a winemaking tradition deeply rooted in history and a profound respect for the local terroirs. These estates offer unique wines that exemplify the expression of Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc in this part of the Loire.
Clos Rougeard is far more than just a wine estate; it is a living heritage that embodies the perfection of Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley. The cuvées from this legendary estate are sought after worldwide for their finesse, depth, and ability to evolve beautifully over time. With a limited production and impeccable quality, the wines of Clos Rougeard have become rare treasures for discerning wine lovers. If you are looking to purchase an exceptional wine, Clos Rougeard is an absolute must, and always at the best price.