Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil

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Everything You Need to Know About Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Wine

Vine cultivation in Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil It likely dates back to Roman times, but it was around the Abbey of Bourgueil, founded in 990, that the Bourgueil vineyards—including those of Saint-Nicolas—truly began to develop. The Breton grape variety made its appearance there in 1152, thanks to the political union of Anjou and Aquitaine. The appellation area follows the boundaries of the commune of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. The vineyard is located on the border between Touraine and Anjou, as a western extension of the Bourgueil vineyard, on the high terrace of the right bank of the Loire. Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil was designated an AOC by a decree dated July 31, 1937.

The Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil appellation covers 1,000 hectares and produces 56,000 hectoliters annually, 2% of which is rosé. The area is located mainly on a broad terrace of ancient alluvial deposits, whose deep soils consist of sand and gravel. Above the terraces, one-third of the vineyard extends over a tuffeau hillside (Turonian chalk) covered with sand. The Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil vineyard opens widely onto the Loire River, which, at this point—where it meets the Vienne—reaches exceptional widths and allows maritime influences to penetrate deeply. The climate is therefore slightly more oceanic than in Bourgueil, with the same forested hillside protecting the well-exposed slopes from northern winds.

The grape varieties authorized for the production of Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil wine are Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The latter is permitted up to 10% of the blend, but it is rarely used. Gravel-based wines reach maturity quickly, whereas tuffeau-based wines come into their own after 5 to 10 years of aging. Some truly exceptional wines are produced by the Yannick Amirault Estate, the Cotelleraie Estate or the Château de la Chevalerie. From theBourgeuil AOC... Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil wine is the only one produced in the municipality, with 1,000 hectares of vineyards. It is theLoire Valley AOP blending seamlessly with the landscape of the town of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. Located between Angers and Tours, this vineyard produces a unique wine, as the vines thrive even in the delicate soil composition.

Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil wine, a product of Touraine

The appellation Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil was founded in 1937 and is one of the few communal names in France. The Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil red wine remains the only one in the Loire Valley to be considered the king of grape varieties. The fruity flavor that characterizes each bottle lends it a true aromatic finesse.

However, this wine should not be confused with its neighbor Bourgueil, which has an appellation where many different grape varieties are grown. The Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil Award is also quite different from a standard Bourgeuil wine.

Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil wine: three distinct terroirs

What makes this wine unique is the variety of terroirs that go into its production. In fact, three distinct terroirs shape the wines of a single appellation. A few soils with different geological characteristics give this wine its true identity.

The first vineyard covers 700 hectares and features sandy-gravel soil. The wines produced from the vines planted on this land are particularly smooth on the palate and exhibit aromas of red fruit.

As for the second vineyard, it covers an area of 300 hectares on the hillside. The soil is clay-limestone, as the site was once home to tuffeau quarries. The remains of these quarries now serve as cellars for the Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil wines. The wines from this vineyard are quite complex, with a deep, garnet-purple color and a highly aromatic profile. On the palate, notes of blackcurrant, licorice, blackberry, and spices are prominent, while remaining intense and powerful. The final terroir consists of 100 hectares of loamy soil. Also known as “La Taille,” this terroir produces a fruity wine with an intense color that is fresh and supple.

Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil wine, at the heart of the Loire Valley wine region

Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil is a wine produced in the Loire Valley. The Loire Valley stretches from west to east, from the mouth of the Loire River at Nantes and Saint-Nazaire to central France, at Nevers and Bourges.

The Loire Valley thus produces a wide variety of wines within a single vineyard. The Atlantic Ocean lends it its mildness, while the climate of northern France provides its freshness.

The Loire Valley is divided into four main wine-growing subregions, which are, from west to east: the Nantes region, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, and the Central Loire. Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil wines belong to the Touraine region. They are produced in Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil, a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department, a few kilometers north of the Loire River.

The subsoil plays a crucial role in shaping the character of Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil wines. It consists of sand and gravel, as well as clay.

The Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil appellation covers an area of approximately 1,000 hectares.

Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil wines

The Loire Valley wine region primarily produces white wines. Red and rosé wines are produced in equal proportions. Sparkling wines are also produced.

Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil wines include red and rosé wines. Red wine dominates, accounting for over 98% of production. Two grape varieties are used to produce Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil red wine: Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter of which makes up a smaller portion—less than 10% of the blend. A large portion of Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil red wine production consists of single-varietal wines made from Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Franc is emblematic of the wines of the Loire Valley and Touraine for the Chinon, Saumur, and Bourgueil appellations, although it is also found in Bordeaux and Languedoc. The rosé wine is made from Cabernet Franc.

The main wineries producing wine under the Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil appellation include Domaines des Vallettes, Pithon-Paillé, Yannick Amirault, Frédéric Mabileau, Pascal and Alain Lorieux,...

The Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil Wine Tasting

Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil red wines are fruity, lively, and light, making them easy to drink. They are best enjoyed at a temperature between 12° and 14°C. Visually, Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil red wine has a deep red color with violet hues. The Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties produce dry red wines with moderate alcohol content.

These grape varieties produce wines with high acidity. Cabernet Franc is less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon. Both varieties give their wines a fruity profile of red berries that is evident on the nose: blackberry, blackcurrant, and raspberry. These are complemented by aromas of grass and green pepper.

Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil red wines are medium-aged wines. They pair well with a wide variety of dishes and are easy to pair. They go well with poultry, pork, and cheese. Goat cheese, a specialty of the Loire Valley, pairs perfectly with Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil.

The Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil rosé remains a hidden gem. With a salmon-pink hue, it offers a nose of exotic fruits such as mango and pineapple and a fairly round palate. It is best served chilled, at 9°C. Ideal in the summer, it can nevertheless be enjoyed year-round with spring vegetables, poultry, fish, and goat cheese.

For more information, visit the website at Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil