Fabien Duveau - Saumur-Champigny Les 'Bas Poyeux' 2023

The vineyards are composed of 20 hectares split among approximately 40 parcels, planted with Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc that Fabien converted to organic and biodynamic viticulture (certified by Demeter in 2023) when he came back to the family estate. Duveau and his team practice regenerative agriculture. They put hives in their vineyards, planted shrubs, have sheep for eco-pasturing, plant beans, and allow plants to grow near the vines, like wild strawberries. (fabienduveau-vigneron.fr) Having so many distinct parcels allows Fabien to vinify and age them by different terroirs and configuration of the soils and each wine is labeled by parcel.

Fabien ages his wines in a stunning cellar from the 14th century, where the constant chill and humidity create the perfect environment to store wines. He uses concrete tanks for the vinification working with spontaneous fermentations while the ageing is done in neutral oak to keep the purity of the fruit and the terroir. (Bruno Lafon Selections, brunolafonselection.com)   

In red, Fabien also makes wine from “Le Bourg”, “Les Menais”, and “Les Gaignés”. In white, he makes wine from a site called “La Hunaudière” and “Bois du Chêne” in Brézé. Each wine is impressive in its own right, but “Le Bourg”, “Bois du Chêne” and the three “Poyeux” wines share the spotlight for the top of the line. Duveau has a special talent and takes his stewardship of the land seriously. He has quietly been improving year by year upon the land that he inherited and when you taste the wines, his vision comes through clearly with each sip.

Organic and Biodynamic (certified Demeter in 2023).

Duveau makes two reds from the famous "Poyeux" vineyard in Chacé. Contrary to what you would expect, the "Bas Poyeux" has little top soil and is composed of sandy limestone on top of rocky green chalk. The vines were planted in 1960. It's aged in a mix of cement and barrels. On the palate, it distinguishes itself with rich, fresh aromas. A nose of blackcurrant, a full, fruity palate and smooth tannins characterize this cuvée from the mythical sandy-clay terroir of "Les Poyeux".

A more serious, structured and concentrated Saumur-Champigny that is very different wine from it's entry level Les Gaignés. 

Producer: Fabien Duveau

Country: France

Region: Loire Valley

Varietal: Cabernet Franc

Appellation: Saumur-Champigny

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml