Caves Louis de Grenelle Saumur Corail Brut Rose, Loire, France

Carved into the chalky limestone depths beneath Saumur, a town as storied as the Loire itself, the Corail Brut Rosé emerges with the mystique of centuries. Produced by one of the last family-owned sparkling wine houses in the region, this radiant bottle of méthode Champenoise magic reflects both the legacy of its underground cellars and the elegance of its Cabernet Franc origins. From secret caves once trafficked by smugglers to cool caverns used by the French Resistance, the path to this rosé is as compelling as the wine itself.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
• Soil Composition: Clay limestone, chalk, sand
• Vine Age: 25 years
• Elevation: 60 meters
• Farming Practices: Sustainable
• Fermentation: Hand-harvested, slow and gentle direct pressing, fermented in tank, secondary fermentation in bottle
• Aging: 12 months on lees before disgorgement
• Dosage: 8 g/L
• Alcohol: 12%
• Winemaker: Guillaume Poitevin

Sensory Description:

Corail bursts from the glass with a pale, dusty rose hue and a stream of fine, persistent bubbles. Aromas of wild strawberries, red raspberries, and floral whispers bloom gently from the glass. On the palate, this brut rosé is impeccably balanced, texturally silky yet lifted, with soft, rounded fruit character and a refreshing finish that lingers with subtle grace. The slightly elevated dosage amplifies the wine’s juicy charm without muting its minerality or structure.

Awards & Accolades:

• 90 Points – Wine Advocate
• 2 Stars – Le Guide Hachette des Vins (2024, 2014, 2010)
• Silver – ELLE à Table (2018)
• Gold – Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2012, 2008, 2003)
• Silver – Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2011, 2007)
• Bronze – Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon (2004)

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in the heart of Saumur, Caves Louis de Grenelle has been producing sparkling wines since 1859. The estate remains one of the last independently run sparkling wine houses in the Loire Valley. With nearly 2 kilometers of limestone caves as their cellar and a portfolio that highlights the finesse of Loire varietals like Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, Louis de Grenelle balances history, tradition, and terroir in every bottle. Their vineyards, many nestled into the hillsides around Saumur, are sustainably farmed and celebrated for their chalky soils and low yields.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well-chilled at 6–8°C in a flute or tulip glass to showcase its vibrant mousse and delicate fruit aromas. Ideal as an apéritif, with brunch fare like smoked salmon and chèvre tartines, or alongside celebratory moments with strawberries and cream.

This expressive sparkling rosé is a testament to Saumur’s subterranean history and to Louis de Grenelle’s enduring commitment to elegance and authenticity in méthode Champenoise winemaking. While the producer's current winemaker and owner were not verifiable in the available documentation, this cuvée stands proudly among France’s most distinctive sparkling wines.