# Fabien Duveau Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg Varrains (2022)

- **Producer:** Fabien Duveau
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €24
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** thyme, green bell pepper, raspberry, graphite, black cherry, violet

## About this wine

Fabien Duveau Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg Varrains 2022 is a 100% Cabernet Franc from the Saumur-Champigny appellation in France's Loire Valley. Produced by eighth-generation winemaker Fabien Duveau, the wine originates from the 'Le Bourg' parcel in Varrains, characterized by limestone and clay soils. Duveau's approach emphasizes organic and biodynamic farming, aiming to express the unique identity of each vineyard parcel. The wine is aged in concrete vats, preserving the purity of the grape and its terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Vines for 'Le Bourg' were planted in 1966.
- Fabien Duveau practices organic and biodynamic viticulture.
- The estate is rated 2 stars in the Guide Bettane + Desseauve 2024.
- This wine is vegan-friendly.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and supple tannins are well-suited to complement the protein in red meats and poultry. Its vibrant acidity can cut through richer sauces, while its subtle herbaceous and mineral notes can echo or contrast with ingredients like herbs and earthy vegetables.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Fabien Duveau Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg Varrains 2022 begins with a manual harvest. The grapes undergo alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in concrete vats, a technique chosen to preserve the purity of the fruit and terroir. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 10 months, also in concrete vats, before bottling. This approach emphasizes minimal intervention to allow the natural characteristics of the Cabernet Franc grape and the specific vineyard site to express themselves.