2018 Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou Villages N° 26

2018 Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou Villages N° 26 is a striking expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Anjou in France’s Loire Valley. Crafted in limited quantities and aged in new French oak, it delivers the structure and intensity usually associated with more southerly regions, while retaining the Loire’s hallmark freshness. This cuvée pays homage to the estate’s long history, bringing together four generations of know-how and modern, environmentally conscious viticulture.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Anjou Villages N° 26 shows a deep, dark garnet hue with violet reflections, hinting at its concentration and youth. The nose is powerful and complex, opening with infused red and black fruits—blackcurrant, blackberry and ripe cherry—layered with notes of toasted oak, leather, fresh-ground coffee and a touch of sweet spice from its 16 months in new French barriques. On the palate, the wine is dry, full-bodied and firmly structured, with an immediate attack of ripe red and black fruit wrapped in a dense, velvety texture. The tannins are robust yet well-matured, providing a solid backbone without harshness, while lively acidity keeps everything in balance. The finish is long, powerful and savory, echoing dark fruit, cedar, leather and roasted coffee. Built for the table and for time, this 2018 has excellent aging potential; it can be enjoyed now after proper aeration, but will continue to evolve and gain complexity over the next 8–12 years.

Production
Anjou Villages N° 26 hails from AOC Anjou Villages, in the very heart of Anjou between Cholet, Saumur and Angers—an area known for its limestone-rich soils. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines are rooted in calcareous terroir laced with microdiorite, a magmatic rock that contributes both minerality and structure to the wine. Domaine du Petit Clocher works with great respect for nature, certified under the strict French HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) framework, which encourages biodiversity and careful resource management. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, then undergo maceration and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to preserve purity of fruit. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 16 months in new French oak barriques, a deliberate choice that imparts depth, spice and fine-grained tannins while allowing Cabernet Sauvignon’s varietal character and the terroir’s freshness to shine through.

Food & Serving
This powerful Loire red is a natural match for rich, flavorful dishes. It pairs beautifully with game—venison, wild boar or duck—alongside roasted or braised red meats such as lamb shank, ribeye steak or slow-cooked beef. Mature hard cheeses like aged Comté, Beaufort, or a well-aged cheddar also complement its structure and savory complexity. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–65°F) for optimal expression. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is highly recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the bouquet to fully open and the tannins to soften.

Producer
Founded in 1920, Domaine du Petit Clocher is now in the hands of the fourth generation, firmly established as one of the reference estates in the Coteaux du Layon subregion of the Loire Valley. Over the decades, the family has steadily refined its viticulture and winemaking, building a reputation for characterful, terroir-driven wines, from structured reds to refined Chenin Blancs rooted in limestone, clay and schist soils. Their commitment to environmentally respectful farming, recognized by HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification, places them among the leading modern domaines of Anjou. Today, Domaine du Petit Clocher is considered a benchmark in the region, uniting tradition and precision to produce wines that clearly express their unique Loire origins.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.