Sylvain Bruneau - Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil Les Hauts Frogers 2021

With a long family history, the Bruneau-Dupuy estate is now run by Sylvain. Since 2012, the vineyard has been in the process of converting to organic farming. The estate covers an area of 20 hectares, protected to the north by the forest. Half of the estate is located on south-facing slopes, covered with old vines planted in clay-limestone soils. The wines produced from these vines are full-bodied and have a long finish. The other half of the vineyard is planted in sandy soil, which yields lighter, fruitier wines best enjoyed young. Priced at less than 15 euros, these wines offer good value for the money.

Representing the third generation of winemakers at this estate, which consistently produces high-quality wines, Sylvain Bruneau—who took over in 1998—has converted his vineyard, which spans about 20 hectares, to organic farming.

Fruity, juicy, and crisp, with notes of black cherries, blueberries, and warm spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Good structure and balance, with a lively mid-palate and a concentrated, textured finish. Made from organically grown grapes. Ready to drink or suitable for aging.

The wine has a ruby color of medium intensity. The nose is reserved at first and requires some aeration. It then reveals concentration and depth, expressing notes of juicy blackcurrant, blueberry, morello cherry, wild blackberry, and wild plum, complemented by aromas of red fruits (red cherry jam, wild strawberry, raspberry coulis), as well as subtle notes of sweet spices (cloves, nutmeg), a toasty undertone, and floral (violet, dried rose) and herbaceous (dried mint) notes. The palate is crisp and well-defined: it offers a tangy aspect of red fruits (red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, red currant), complemented by notes of black fruits (blackcurrant, morello cherry, wild plum), a subtle spicy note (clove, licorice, nutmeg), and floral notes (dried rose, violet). The tannic structure is well-integrated and well-defined. It has a lovely, lively, and refreshing acidity. Finally, it offers good length on the finish, with notes of blackcurrant leaf and dried mint.