What with working 2 jobs, the blog has somewhat taken a back seat of late. However, when we cracked open this ‘L’eclat du noir’ that we picked up from the cellar door of Clos des Cordeliers I knew I was going to have to write about it.
Ok so why is it so interesting? Well for a start it is a brilliant (“éclat” en Français), bright pale lemon colour. Almost colourless. But it’s made from 100% Cabernet Franc. A red grape. This is unusual. Very unusual. In fact I don’t know of anyone else who makes one. But (SPOILER ALERT) it’s more than just a curiosity, it’s actually really, really good.
Of course the Saumur-Champigny appellation contrôlée doesn’t allow something a frivolous as a white Cabernet Franc to be labelled as Saumur-Champigny, so it has to be a plain old Vin de France.
So after we’d marvelled at it’s colour it was about time to get drinking. I mean tasting. Drinking, tasting, whatever.
First impressions were of pink grapefruit but without the searing acidity. There’s some notes of ripe pears and apricot stones too, if thats not too wanky pretentious.
In the mouth it is perfectly balanced with a lovely texture and a long finish.
Sadly L’Eclat du Noir is not currently available in the UK, however (cue shameless plug) at Vino Vero we do have his more conventional Saumur-Champigny red in stock if you’d like to try that instead.
If you’re ever in the Loire valley I would strongly recommend dropping in on Clos des Cordeliers for a tour of the vineyards and their awesome underground cave. Oh and bring me back a bottle of Eclat du Noir. Please.
Vino Vero 