2023 La Porte Saint Jean Saumur-Champigny, Loire Valley, France

ABOUT THE WINE

Crafted entirely from Cabernet Franc, this 2023 Saumur-Champigny reflects the finesse and transparency of the vintage. Fruit is sourced from organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards planted on tuffeau—a soft, porous limestone native to the Loire Valley—giving the wine its signature mineral backbone. Aromatically, it offers layers of redcurrant, pomegranate, violet, and a subtle graphite edge. On the palate, the wine is sleek and linear, with fresh acidity and refined tannins lending structure without weight.

Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in concrete and wood, followed by aging in neutral oak barrels, allowing the purity of fruit and terroir to shine. No fining or filtration is used, emphasizing the producer's commitment to low-intervention winemaking. The wine pairs effortlessly with grilled duck breast, lentils with herbs, or earthy mushroom dishes, and it is equally compelling slightly chilled.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

La Porte Saint Jean is the project of Sylvain Dittière, one of the Loire Valley’s most exciting new voices. After training with iconic estates like Domaine Thierry Germain, Clos Rougeard, and Château Yvonne, Dittière founded his own cellar in Montreuil-Bellay, on the southern edge of Saumur. From the beginning, his focus has been on producing precise, age-worthy wines with minimal intervention and maximum expression of place.

Farming is certified organic, with strong biodynamic principles guiding vineyard work. In the cellar, Dittière employs extended élevage and avoids manipulation, preserving the character of each vineyard parcel. His wines are known for their purity, restraint, and longevity, bridging classic structure with a contemporary sense of energy and elegance.