Antoine Foucault grew up among the barrels of Clos Rougeard, where his father Charly and his uncle Nady redefined the height of cabernet franc. After years of working alongside them, Antoine struck out on his own in 1999 with his partner Caroline Boireau, founding Domaine du Collier in the commune of Brézé. What began as a few hectares of vines has become one of the Loire’s most compelling estates, producing wines that clearly carry the Rougeard imprint, yet speak with a voice all their own.

Like his family before him, Antoine farms organically, avoiding chemical inputs and working the chalky tuffeau soils to push the vines deep into limestone. Harvesting is done by hand, fermentations are spontaneous, and élevage is long and patient — often 24 to 36 months in the domaine’s ancient underground cellars. The result is wine of structure and resonance, capable of aging for decades.

From a small parcel in Saumur-Champigny, the 2020 Collier cabernet franc is both a tribute to and an evolution of the Rougeard legacy. Deep blackcurrant and blueberry aromas mingle with violets, smoke, and wild herbs, leading to a palate that is supple yet firmly structured. Extended aging in cask has polished the tannins and added layers of spice and mineral depth, while preserving freshness and lift. Silky, resonant, and grounded in limestone, it is a wine that both honors its lineage and speaks to the style of a new generation.