Having famous neighbours doesn’t automatically imbue you with similar attributes. When I grew up, I lived next to the animation studio that produced The Wombles, but I didn’t spend my days wandering free on Wimbledon Common. However, when it comes to wine estates, you could argue that having a similar microclimate, soil type, grape variety, vineyard age, appellation regulations and wine-making traditions, the similarities can converge somewhat.

Domine des Sables Verts has one of the most celebrated domaines in France, Clos Rougeard, as their immediate neighbour and they even share vines from the very same vineyard, the much-lauded ‘Les Poyeux’, which sells for over £200 a bottle, if it says ‘Clos Rougeard’ on the label. We are not claiming that this wine from Domaine des Sables Verts is as good as the cuvee from Clos Rougeard, but they do pick Cabernet Franc from the same vineyard under the same sun and make it according to the same Saumur-Champigny AOC rules, but they only charge £30.95 for it. At the very least, it’s surely enough to stimulate a little curiosity?

Theirs is a very pure and elegant expression of this vineyard, with classic, leafy Cabernet Franc aromas of cassis, violets and a hint of smoky reduction, which carry through to a beautifully concentrated palate, rich in mulberry, black raspberry and a hint of graphite, with fine-grained tannins that bring an elegance to the wine’s structure. I would liken it to being dragged through a hedgerow by your ankles and emerging from the other side covered in wet leaves, sloe berries, blackberry juice and minor lacerations. 13% alc. Drink now-2034.

NB if you like this wine, then may we humbly suggest that you try their Saumur Blanc! It’s an absolutely stunning wine, with all the dramatic mineral bravura of the greatest white Burgundies and one of the best value white wines on our list or possibly any list! You will not be disappointed. Click here to be taken to the page.