Bourgueil

It was around the Abbey of Bourgueil, founded in 990, that the vineyard really developed. The Breton grape variety Cabernet Franc made its appearance here in 1152, thanks to the political union of Anjou and Aquitaine. The Bourgueil appellation was classified by decree on July 31, 1937. Its strategic position on the banks of the Loire has earned it international recognition with maritime exports. A land of writers who find inspiration here, Bourgueil wine has been praised by prestigious authors such as Balzac and Rabelais, who made it their favorite beverage.

Annual production of Bourgueil wine is around 70,000 hectolitres, including 2% rosé. The almost unique grape variety is Cabernet Franc, with Cabernet Sauvignon permitted only up to a limit of 10% of the total. Yields are rigorously controlled by an independent organization, and the risk of downgrading overloaded plots is very real. Whether you're looking for a pleasantly fruity wine or a powerful, well-structured wine, Bourgueil's two great terroirs will express themselves in your glass. Gravel wines mature quickly (2 to 4 years), while tuffeau wines only begin to express their complexity after 5 years of cellaring.

The Bourgueil appellation extends over 7 communes, covering some 1,400 hectares on the right bank of the Loire, west of Tours. Half of the vineyard is located on the slopes overlooking the Loire, with soils composed of tuffeau (Turonian chalk), the famous stone that adorns the walls of traditional houses on the banks of the Loire, but which has also enabled the creation of numerous wine cellars, favoring the ageing of Bourgueil wines thanks to its extraordinary thermal properties. The other half is planted on sand and gravel terraces (ancient alluvial deposits of the Loire). The slope is gentle, and the landscape of multiple plots resembles a mosaic. Bourgueil's vineyards benefit from a wide opening onto the Loire, and the Atlantic influences flowing up the valley are clearly felt. The south-facing slope and forest-covered plateau protect the terrace from northerly winds. The microclimate is mild and temperate. Domaine Yannick Amirault, Domaine de la Butte and Domaine de La Chevalerie offer wines that elegantly reflect the character of the Bourgueil terroir.

The Bourgueil AOC lies to the west of the city of Tours, on the right bank of the river. The vineyards are located in seven neighboring communes: Restigné, Ingrandes-de-Touraine, Saint-Patrice, Benais, La Chapelle-sur-Loire, Chouzé-sur-Loire and, of course, Bourgueil. The geographical location and specific geology of the Loire tributaries produce wines renowned for their suppleness and fine elegance.

Most Bourgueil wines are made from the Cabernet Franc grape variety, with the occasional touch of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bourgueil is a Loire red wine that can be enjoyed from the very first months of bottling. It boasts a rich palette of fruity flavors and a color ranging from velvety ruby to intense garnet-red. On the nose, red and black fruit flavors bring out the complexity of Bourgueil red wine. For lovers of denser flavors and aromas more rooted in the terroir, a few years' cellar aging will enable you to enjoy a more intense bourgueil wine. In fact, some grands crus aged in Tuffeau cellars have been kept for over a century without losing any of their greatness - quite the contrary!

Although the majority of AOC Bourgueil vinification is for red wines, a few growers also produce Bourgueil rosé. This lively, dry, aromatic wine is very pleasant in summer.

True to its roots, Bourgueil red loire wine marries perfectly with what the Loire has to offer. Pairing a Bourgueil red wine with some Loire fish just grilled over the flame is an amazing way to discover the nectar of the vines.

A tasting of local cheeses with Bourgueil red wine. The perfect accompaniment to a crottin de Chavignol, a Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine or a sweet olivet.