Frédéric Mabileau - Les Racines 2014

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

More indulgent and fruit-forward than the 2014, this wine is nonetheless worth the wait. It is one of the standout wines of the vintage.

About the estate:

Frédéric Mabileau was one of the Loire Valley’s most iconic figures; he tragically passed away on Monday, August 31, in a microlight accident. He had taken over the entire 27-hectare family estate in 2003, with the help of his son, and had transitioned the vineyard to organic farming. Here, two types of soil predominate: clay-siliceous soils with a calcareous tendency, which produce the most taut and structured wines; and lower down, on the terrace overlooking the former bed of the Loire, siliceous, sandy, or stony soils—known as “graviers”—where the vines thrive, yielding a fruitier, more indulgent wine. The Saint-Nicolas wines on sale embody the delicacy of the appellation’s wines: those grown on gravel and clay-loam soils offer a full-bodied yet silky texture, with well-defined tannins and a clean fruitiness. The Rouillières wines charm with their juiciness and a very floral finish. For around fifteen euros, the Bourgueil Racines boasts a clay-gravel terroir that yields one of the most well-rounded wines of its appellation. The Chenin-des-Rouillères showcases the grape variety’s charming side without compromising its character. It is now joined by Chenin-du-Puy, from the Saumur region, in the same vein. This is one of the top priorities at Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil!

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Its roots come from those old vines, over forty years old, planted by Frédéric Mabileau’s grandfather. They run deep into a clay-gravel soil and have produced this well-structured 2014 vintage, aged for ten months in demi-muids yet retaining its fruity notes (blackcurrant, cherry), followed by a fresh and spicy palate with well-integrated tannins.

About the estate:

A leading figure in the Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas regions since he established his business in 1991, Frédéric Mabileau built up a 35-hectare estate that has been certified organic since 2007 and biodynamic since 2012. Following his accidental death in 2020, his son, Remy, took over the business. Charly, his other son, opened Chez Odette, a restaurant dedicated to local and seasonal cuisine, in the estate’s courtyard.