Antoine Sanzay Saumur-Champigny "Les Poyeux" 2022

ANTOINE SANZAY SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY "LES POYEUX" 2022

Antoine Sanzay, heir to seven generations of winemakers, has transformed the family tradition into a highly distinctive personal project within the Saumur-Champigny appellation in the Loire Valley. In 1999, he began vinifying his own grapes from the family's 11 hectares in Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, breaking with the usual practice of selling to the cooperative, and since 2013, he has dedicated his entire production to his own wines. His winery, located in Varrains, operates with an artisanal and respectful philosophy: viticulture without chemicals, very limited use of copper, carefully cultivated soils, and hand-harvesting to preserve the purity of the grapes. With a focus on minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery, Sanzay has established himself as one of the region's most interesting producers, often considered an accessible alternative to Clos Rougeard. His work, like that of other winemakers such as Romain Guiberteau, aligns more with a Burgundian vision, focused on the precise expression of each plot.

The Les Poyeux vineyard, located in the village of Chacé, is the oldest and most prestigious plot of the domaine and one of the most emblematic vineyards of Saumur-Champigny, historically shared with the iconic Clos Rougeard. It is a plot of approximately 2 hectares, facing south-southeast, with vines around 50 years old planted on Upper Turonian calcareous sand and clay-limestone soils. This terroir stands out for its capacity to produce deep, structured, and highly elegant wines. The old vines contribute concentration and complexity, making this wine Antoine Sanzay's most ambitious offering. 2022 Vintage: The 2022 harvest in the Loire Valley was marked by warm, dry conditions that favored complete grape ripening. Cool nights helped preserve acidity, maintaining the region's characteristic balance. The result is wines that are more open and approachable in their youth, with riper fruit, rounded tannins, and good aromatic expression, without losing freshness or aging potential.

Winemaking: Hand-harvested from old Cabernet Franc vines in the Les Poyeux vineyard. Respectful viticulture without the use of synthetic chemicals. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts, without additives, in tanks, with gentle extractions adapted to the vintage. Aged for approximately 18 months in fourth- and fifth-use barrels in an underground cellar, aiming to refine the wine without masking the terroir's identity.

Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied ruby ​​red color, clean and bright. On the nose, it is precise and expressive, with ripe red fruit such as cherry and raspberry, accompanied by floral notes, subtle spicy nuances, and a well-defined, chalky mineral background. On the palate, it is balanced and structured, with fine tannins, well-integrated acidity, and a texture that combines juiciness and depth. A long, elegant finish with lingering minerality.

Best before: 2026-2033. ABV: 13%

Production: approx. 4,000 bottles.

Food pairings: Ideal with red meats, game, and roasted poultry, as well as traditional stews or dishes with mushrooms and earthy broths. Its balance between freshness and structure makes it versatile. Served between 14°C and 16°C, it best appreciates its precision and mineral character.