Tuffe is Philippe Vatan’s red made from a wide variety of parcels spread across his limestone-rich vineyards. Aged in stainless-steel in an immaculate cavernous cellar, this has classic Cabernet Franc notes that include black raspberry and just the right amount of savory herbs while finishing with well-integrated tannins.
- Fifth generation, historic estate located near the banks of the Loire, about four miles east of the town of Saumur
- Its 13th century caves are built into an enormous tufa-limestone shelf which borders the back of the Château where the vineyards are planted in this same subsoil of tuffeau (soft chalk), which gives the wines their underlying minerality
- The estate produces several Cabernet Franc cuvees all of which have been organically-farmed since the early/mid 2000’s and certified organic as of 2007.
Blend of 15 parcels of young and old vines grown in tuffeau. Soil Tuffeau (tufa-limestone), a soft chalk from the Cretaceous Period Viticulture - Grass grows between the vine rows, which are tilled by hand. Philippe Vatan rigorously crop-thins his vineyards, dropping fruit and retaining only very ripe bunches. Organically farmed since 2010.Vinification Indigenous yeasts, long fermentations lasting 25-30 days. Elévage of 10-20 months in tank (underground in tuffeaux cellars)
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