Mélaric Clos de la Cerisaie 2018 Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame

Mélaric Clos de la Cerisaie is a red wine from the Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame appellation in the Loire, made entirely from Cabernet Franc. It comes from a parcel of vines about 55 years old on the lower east-facing slope of the Cerisaie hill, on silty clay over tuffeau chalk. The grapes are picked by hand into small crates, fully destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts. Maceration lasts around 10 to 14 days, with an infusion approach and gentle pump-overs to keep extraction light. Red and black fruit lead, with floral and spicy touches. With air, graphite, undergrowth and pepper appear. The tannins give structure without weight, and the finish is long and elegant.