3d Wines Saumur-Champigny 2009 Domaine de la Cune

Domaine de la Cune was one of the first vineyards to become a member of 3D wines. 3D wines offer consumers the prospect of renting rows of wines at the member vineyards. The vine share scheme allows participants to visit their vineyard, meet the producer and buy cases of the wine at discount prices. I am not a participant myself but have tasted 3D wines from several of their vineyards and I am impressed with the results. I have also been to tastings organised by them.

The "3 Jeans" Saumur-Champigny 2009 is an excellent wine which is produced from the Cabernet Franc grape which is well suited to the Loire Valley climate. It has a concentrated plum and red fruit flavour with a touch of spice and the structure of the wine will enable you to keep it for several years longer. It shows regional character which is also the hallmark of a good wine. My wine was a gift but on the open market I estimate that it would cost you around £11 a bottle.

I was also given a bottle of Domaine de la Cune Crémant de Loire Brut Non -vintage. This wine is also of high quality and compares favourably with its competitors from Burgundy. Crémant de Loire is produced primarily from the Chenin Blanc grape variety. It is not as elegant as Champagne but goes down well at a party. I estimate that the retail price of this wine is also around £11 pounds a bottle. It is well worth trying but please do not regard it as a substitute to Champagne.

3D wines is well worth considering if you like making frequent trips to France to taste wine.