Peter Morrell tastes this award-winning Saumur AOP Brut Vintage from the Loire which Embraces the Essence of Summer

This summer, elevate your gatherings with the Bouvet ‘Saphir’ Saumur Brut Vintage 2023 (£16 at Majestic), the sophisticated choice for those seeking some bubbles in the sunshine. Crafted using the traditional method, this vintage sparkling wine is a testament to quality and elegance, offering a delightful experience for the savvy drinker.

Founded in 1851, Bouvet Ladubay has established itself as a beacon of excellence in the world of sparkling wines, and ‘Saphir’ Saumur Brut Vintage 2023 is of no exception. Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, this esteemed winery has been crafting exceptional wines for well over a century, combining traditional methods with innovative techniques. Bouvet Ladubay’s commitment to quality and precision has earned it a distinguished reputation, with its wines celebrated for their elegance and complexity. The winery’s rich history is a testament to its enduring passion for winemaking, as it continues to delight connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike with each meticulously crafted release.

Made from a blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, Saphir Saumur Brut Vintage 2023 boasts a brioche-rich character that sets it apart. A patient maturation of 18 months and a “brut” and refined dosage finalise the high-definition character of this “Brut de Loire”. Each bottle is numbered and produced in limited edition. This wine delivers a delicious biscuity flavour, complemented by peachy, honeyed, and nutty notes. It’s a truly classy bottle that offers exceptional quality at an incredible value. In 2023, the 2020 vintage of this delicious wine was honoured with a Gold and “Best In Class” award at Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC), highlighting its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

Peter Morrell, Editor comments “I tasted the Bouvet Ladubay ‘Saphir’ 2023 in the best of places, sat in my garden under a sunshade with an array of salads, seafood, charcuterie and cheese about to be savoured. It really doesn’t get a lot better than this.

“This sparkling white from the Loire is made primarily with one of my favourite grapes, chenin blanc, together with chardonnay with gives it an additional dimension of character.

“The wine pours a light-yellow colour and has small, fast moving bubbles, which is a hallmark of a sparkling being made using the traditional, bottle fermented method. The bouquet offers apple, pear and citrus aromas and the first sip reveals a pleasant creamy mouthfeel and a medium body. On the palate the fruit flavours linger and are joined by yeasty notes from the chardonnay together with touches of honey and floral tones. It has fresh acidity with a good dose of minerality making it ideal as an aperitif and as a match for the summer dishes in front of me. The finish is bright and uplifting with lingering tastes of fruit.

“This is very much the ‘Essence of Summer’ and at £16 a bottle represents remarkable value of money for a wine of this quality.”

In addition to its delightful taste, since the creation of the Bouvet Ladubay Contemporary Art Centre in 1992, each vintage of the Saphir Cuvée carries a “Muselet d’Artistes”. The 2023 vintage features a muselet depicting an artwork by Christian Sorg who exhibited during Summer 2023. This unique collaboration brings an artistic flair to our bottles, making them not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes.

So, whether you’re planning a sophisticated summer soirée or a laid-back picnic, let Bouvet Ladubay be your wine of choice, offering the perfect touch of elegance and versatility for any occasion.

About Bouvet Ladubay

Founded in 1851 by Etienne Bouvet and his wife, Célestine Ladubay, the winery now ships over 6.5 million bottles per year and is based in Saumur, Loire Valley, France. The company ethos is to produce wines which are of “excellence”– the result is generations of family savoir-faire, leading to sales to over 45 countries, including France and the UK. Bouvet Ladubay is now the biggest exporter of sparkling wines from the Loire to the UK. As one of the most awarded houses in France, a selection of award-winning cuvées is listed in Majestic and Justerini & Brooks amongst other importers in the UK. This range of Loire sparkling wines that are produced solely under ‘Méthode Traditionnelle’ winemaking process includes the following appellations: Saumur Brut, Crémant de Loire white and rosé, vintage cuvées and exclusive cuvées like Bouvet Trésor Saumur Brut Vintage aged in oak barrels. All cuvees are produced using sustainable viticulture practices and are HVE (High Environmental Value) certified.

The signature style of Bouvet Ladubay is white wines produced in Blanc de Blancs style with Chenin and Chardonnay in variable proportions. As for the rosé cuvées: Cabernet Franc, Grolleau grape are used.