Domaine La Giraudiere 2024 "Les Meuniers" Saumur Champigny, Loire Valley

Saumur-Champigny is the elite Cabernet Franc terroir between Anjou and the Touraine.  Where typical reds from this area stress the earthy green notes, La Girardière’s Cabernets, like those of Clos Rougeard in the Fouquot era, lean more toward Burgundian Pinot Noir in spirit, if not in actual varietal.  (Here Meuniers doesn’t refer to the Champagne red grape variety; it’s the name of a vineyard parcel.)  With a seductive aroma, the medium-to-full-weighted red has the soul of Pinot Noir, yet finishes dry with some chalk notes.  Try this with red meat for a wonderful experience.