2023 Domaine Sauger Cheverny Vieilles Vignes Red 12x750ml

About the Wine

While wine lovers shell out serious cash for Burgundy Pinot Noir and Beaujolais Gamay, the brilliant minds at Domaine Sauger have been quietly crafting something absolutely extraordinary in the hidden gem that is Cheverny. This 2023 Vieilles Vignes Red is what happens when old vines meet new-world passion in one of France's most underrated wine regions.

The Loire Valley is basically what would happen if Disney decided to create the perfect French fairy tale, except it's all completely real. Stretching over 620 miles from the Massif Central to the Atlantic Ocean, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to more than 300 castles that look like they were plucked straight from a storybook. We're talking about architectural masterpieces like Chambord with its impossible spiral staircases, Chenonceau gracefully spanning the river, and Cheverny with its perfectly symmetrical façade and gardens so pristine they look almost too perfect to be real. The French kings didn't just build summer homes here – they created an entire fantasy landscape that happens to produce some of the world's most exceptional wines.

But here's where our story gets really interesting: OVW owner and wine expert Greg Martellotto was exploring the Loire Valley when he stumbled upon this absolute hidden gem tucked away in the countryside near Cheverny. After tasting Philippe Sauger's incredible wines, Greg knew he had discovered something truly special. A few days later at Wine Paris, surrounded by overpriced Burgundies and underwhelming Beaujolais, he made the decision – he absolutely had to bring these exceptional Cheverny bottles directly to wine lovers like you, who would appreciate this level of quality without the premium price tag.

The answer lies in the Sauger family's five-generation commitment to this magical terroir. Since 1870, when François-Sylvain first planted vines in Cheverny's unique sandy-clay soils, the family has been perfecting their craft in relative obscurity. Philippe's great-grandfather Lucien worked just 9 acres with hybrid vines, selling bulk wine to local négociants. When phylloxera struck in 1958, Philippe's father Marcel was forced to replant everything, choosing noble varietals like Sauvignon Blanc that would define the estate's future. By 1972, they had completely transformed their approach, moving to direct bottle sales that let them control quality from vine to glass.

When Philippe took over in 1988, fresh from studying viticulture and oenology and armed with experience from internships in Gers and Sancerre, he revolutionized everything. Gone were the side crops of asparagus and pickles – this was going to be exclusively about wine. He expanded the estate to 74 acres, installed temperature-controlled fermentation tanks, and developed a winemaking philosophy that prioritizes terroir expression over trendy techniques. The result? Wines that rival anything coming out of Burgundy's top appellations, but at prices that will make you happy.

This 2023 Vieilles Vignes Red is the perfect example of why Cheverny is about to become every wine lover's new obsession. Philippe has masterfully blended Pinot Noir's elegant finesse with Gamay's fresh, gulpable charm, then added just a whisper of Côt (Malbec) for complexity that would make Cahors producers jealous. While a comparable Burgundy would easily cost $50-80, and even decent Beaujolais from named crus like Fleurie or Morgon rarely drops below $25-30, this Cheverny delivers the same sophistication for a fraction of the price.

The "Vieilles Vignes" designation means these grapes come from mature vines that have been digging deep into those unique sandy soils for decades, concentrating flavors in ways that young vines simply can't match.

What absolutely blew us away during our tasting wasn't just the quality, but Philippe's genuine passion for his craft. While many producers in famous regions seem to coast on their appellations' reputations, Philippe treats every vintage like he's trying to prove something. Maybe it's because Cheverny only received its official recognition in 1993, making it practically a baby compared to its famous neighbors, or maybe it's just the Sauger family's five-generation commitment to excellence. Either way, the result is wines that over-deliver in every possible way.

Unlike structured Chinon reds that often need years to open up, or expensive Burgundies that require perfect cellaring conditions, this beauty is ready to charm right now while having the structure to age gracefully if you can resist drinking it immediately.

The best part? Smart sommeliers and wine buyers are already whispering about Cheverny as the next big thing in French wine, and we're absolutely convinced they're right. Get ahead of the curve with this exceptional 2023 vintage that perfectly captures everything magical about this fairy tale region. When Cheverny finally gets the recognition it deserves, you'll be able to say you discovered it first, all while enjoying wines that prove you don't need to break the bank.

This playful blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay is light on its feet, yet full of French countryside charm. Silky tannins and notes of candied red berries glide across the palate, finishing with just a flicker of spice. Chill it for 15 minutes, pour generously, and pair it effortlessly—with roast chicken, cheese boards, or nothing at all.

French elegance, bottled for everyday joy.  À votre santé.

Tasting Notes

Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels.

84% Pinot Noir, 16% Gamay. Bold blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, with Côt (Malbec) adding a full-bodied structure. The fermentation process and barrel aging bring out rich dark fruit flavors, a touch of spice, and a subtle oak influence, creating a smooth, well-balanced wine with depth and complexity.

Critic Review

~91pts, Greg Martellotto, OVW Founder

~8,5/10 By Harold Hamersma Specialist Wine Journal