This sparkling wine from the western Loire is labeled Methode Traditionnelle as it is produced with the same high-quality methods as Champagne. It is a big, forcefully fruity style of sparkling wine with great acidity, and is brilliant as an aperitif, with shellfish dishes and cream sauces.

The wine is 70% Chenin Blanc and 30% Chardonnay, each varietal vinified separately at very cool temperatures to capture the delicate aromas. As with true Champagne, the second fermentation occurs in the bottle. The bottles are left 15 months sur lattes (on the fine lees) before disgorging, which develops levels of complexity not usually found in wines from this region.

Saumur is a French wine region located in the Loire Valley. The region is noted for sparkling wines produced by the traditional method, and for red wines made primarily from Cabernet Franc. The main variety in the white wines is Chenin Blanc.