Arnaud Lambert AOP Saumur Rouge Clos Tue Loup 2021

Arnaud Lambert 'Clos Tue-Loup' Saumur Rouge 2021

The "Burgundian" Cabernet Franc – Ethereal, Silky, and Precise

The Vibe

If you are looking for the red counterpart to the white Clos de Midi, this is it. Clos Tue-Loup (often spelled without the "du") is a Monopole vineyard on the legendary Hill of Brézé. In the cooler 2021 vintage, this wine moved away from the "dark and brooding" style of hotter years and embraced a light, floral, almost Pinot Noir-like elegance. It is a "natural" wine made with extreme precision—Arnaud Lambert famously avoids sulfites during the aging process to keep the fruit as "vibrant" and "alive" as possible.

The Nose

The 2021 nose is a masterclass in purity. It doesn't smell like a heavy, bell-pepper-heavy Cabernet Franc. Instead, it leads with fresh raspberries, wild strawberries, and violets. Because it was aged in a mix of old barrels and concrete "eggs," there is a distinct savory, mineral undertone—think wet gravel, pencil lead (graphite), and a tiny hint of iodine. It’s high-toned and "breezy."

The Taste

On the palate, the 2021 is ethereal and juicy. It has a "weightless" quality that is very rare for this grape. You’ll taste bright red berries and pomegranate, backed by a vibrating, citrus-like acidity that cleanses the palate. The tannins are "powdery" and fine-grained, never feeling dry or aggressive. The finish is long and slightly salty, showing the limestone (Tuffeau) influence of Brézé.

📋 Product Specs

Best Paired With:

• The "Light" Match: Roast chicken with herbs or seared duck breast with a raspberry reduction.

• The Earthy Choice: Grilled eggplant with pomegranate dressing or a wild mushroom tart.

• The Local Way: A selection of Loire Valley goat cheeses (like Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine).

Pro Tip: In 2026, the 2021 Clos Tue-Loup is in its prime "youthful" drinking window. It is remarkably fresh. Because it is made with very low sulfites, it is quite "active"—decant it for 20–30 minutes to let any reduction dissipate and the floral violet notes bloom. Serve slightly chilled at 14–16°C.