Arnaud Lambert 'Clos Mazurique' Monopole Saumur Cabernet Franc 2022

2017 marked an exciting transition for fans of Arnaud Lambert’s captivating wines when he united his cuvées from both Brézé (20ha) and Saint Cyr en Bourg (20ha) under one label: Domaine Arnaud Lambert. The Saint Cyr wines come from Domaine Saint-Just, which was founded by Arnaud’s father Yves in 1996 when Arnaud was still getting his viticulture and oenology degree. The father/son team began working together in 2005, and in 2009, they also became managers of the viticultural estate of the Château de Brézé. (The château is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site, but also a historically important reference in French fine wine: royals used to exchange these wines annually for Château d’Yquem Sauternes.) The same year they began to work the Château vines, Yves and Arnaud also began converting all their vineyards to organic and were officially certified in 2012. This movement stemmed first and foremost from the desire to express the terroir of each individual clos in its purest, most vibrant form.

While soft-spoken, Arnaud Lambert is helping to drive a movement in the appellations of Saumur and Saumur-Champigny. The goal is to re-discover each individual terroir and its potential through organic viticulture and precise winemaking. This is particularly important considering 70% of the surface area in Brézé and Saint Cyr belongs to the cooperatives.

From a 3.7 hectare, west-facing, site on light silty sand over limestone on the southern side of Brézé. 100% destemmed and fermented with partial whole berries with indigenous yeast in concrete tank with a very gentle maceration using infusion and no pump overs.