Domaine des Sanzay Saumur-Champigny 2024
(Loire, France)

About the Estate:
Didier & Céline Sanzay along with Didier’s son Ludovich are the 5th & 6th generations at the helm of this estate since its founding in the 1880s. Located in Varrains, in the heart of the Saumur-Champigny appellation, this family now farms 28 hectares of vines, mostly Cabernet Franc for which the area is now famous, but also 3 hectares of Chenin for the production of Saumur sparkling and still white wines. Their vineyards are located in and around Varrains including parcels in Les Poyeux, Les Dares, Beauregard and Les Fogères. The common element of these terroirs is the chalky limestone tuffeau that absorbs water during the wet months, storing it for the vines to draw from during the hot summer growing season. The great chateaux of the Loire and many cities in France were built with this porous stone, carved in quarries that now serve as the aging cellars for the greatest wines of the region.

The Sanzay family has been farming sustainably for over 15 years, using no synthetic pesticides nor fertilizers and the estate has been certified organic since 2016. In the winery, the fermentations take place naturally using only the indigenous yeasts that are harvested on the grape skins. Macerations are gentle so as to extract only the softer ripe tannins and take place in either stainless steel or concrete vats. Aging takes place in either stainless steel or concrete vats and for certain cuvées in oak barrels.

About this Wine:
Region: Loire Valley / Anjou / Nantais / Saumur
Appellation: Saumur-Champigny
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Farming: Natural farming
Vinification: De-stemmed fruit, Dry Farmed, Estate grown grapes, Hand harvested, Indigenous yeast fermented, Organically Grown Grapes, Stainless Steel Vat Fermented & Aged
Soil Type: Chalky Limestone, Clay
Vine age: 40 years average
Maceration time before press: 8-10 days
Bottled in the spring following harvest and meant for drinking over 3-5 years.

Tasting Notes:
Supple and round this wine shows ripe berries in the nose and mouth. Tannins are ripe but not astringent and have no green edges, as can be the case with this varietal. The wine has a gentle gritty texture with fine minerals, which makes it particularly food-friendly.

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Wine Review Online (2023):
"Saumur-Champigny is best known for Cabernet Franc, though the wines are often lighter in body than the global average and crafted for early enjoyment. Domaine des Sanzay’s expression fits this style beautifully, showing bright acidity and a distinctly earth-driven character. The nose offers a captivating mushroom-like umami character, while the flavors deliver tart cranberry and wild strawberry notes with a streak of graphite. Light in body yet structured and vibrant, this makes an ideal before-dinner bottle — refreshing alongside appetizers and perfectly suited to keeping one’s palate lively." (Sep 2025)