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Bourgueil

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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 exports by sea. 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.

Burgueil wines: a unique terroir and ancestral know-how

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 vines 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.

A unique and recognizable style

Bourgueil is a Loire red wine that can be enjoyed from the very first months of bottling. It has 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.

A gastronomic match made in heaven

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.

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Domaine Alexis Boucard - Bourgueil N°1 rouge 2023

2*Coup de Coeur Hachette

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Médaille d'Or Concours Paris

generous
black fruits
ample

"This tasty Bourgueil will delight your taste buds and your wallet!

"Favorite For his first vintage, 2018, the date of the estate's creation, Alexis Boucard continues to stand out. His aptly named Cuvée N °1, made from venerable Cabernet Franc vines rooted in clay and silica soils, is presented in a deep red with violet highlights, worthy of haute couture. On aeration, dazzling aromas of red and black fruits flatter the nose. On the palate, this radiant Bourgueil is full-bodied, ample and suave, infused with strawberry and cherry flavors. A full-bodied, generous wine that's already very tasty, and will remain so for several years to come. (Le Guide Hachette 2025).

Domaine Yannick Amirault - Bourgueil Le Grand Clos 2022

2*Coup de Coeur Hachette

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92/100 RVF

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92/100 RVF

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91/100 Bettane & Desseauve

harmonious
black fruits
attractive
precise

"Dense and unctuous, this cuvée elegantly reveals an exceptional terroir".

"Le Grand Clos goes further in tannic elegance, florality and chalky grain. It will evolve brilliantly and be unforgettable within 20 years." (Le Guide RVF 2024).

Domaine de la Butte - Bourgueil Mi-Pente 2021

93/100 Bettane & Desseauve

complex
silky
persistent
long-keeping wine

"Impressive in its concentration, a great wine for laying down!"

A high-flying Bourgueil from Jacky Blot, this grand cuvée with its delicious aromas of red fruit, peppermint and liquorice develops its full complexity on tasting. The harmonious, silky tannins underline the wine's great quality. The palate will impress you with its length.

Domaine de la Butte - Bourgueil Les Perrières 2021

93/100 Bettane & Desseauve

balanced
intensity
long-keeping wine
superb

"This magnificent cuvée will charm you with its intense, emotional character.

Made from old Cabernet Franc vines, Les Perrières offers great concentration and density while retaining great freshness. Intense aromas of summery red fruits and spices reveal themselves with great elegance. To be cellared for several years to reach its full potential.

Domaine de la Chevalerie - Bourgueil Galichets 2018

94/100 RVF

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90/100 Vinous

spicy
round-tipped
biodynamics
quality-price

"A Bourgueil of choice for this timeless, gourmet cuvée".

"A delightful 2018 from Les Galichets that brilliantly evokes the solar concentration of the vintage through dark aromas of black fruit and spice, without tipping over into excessive illustration. Both soothing and energetic on the palate, this is a great wine for laying down at the beginning of its life". (Le Guide RVF 2024).

Domaine de la Chevalerie - Bourgueil Peu Muleau 2018

Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5

4.3/5 (3 reviews)

91/100 RVF

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91/100 Robert Parker

fruity
freshness
biodynamics
Gem

"A smooth, supple Cabernet Franc, truly excellent!"

"A sensation of fresh grapes animates this Cabernet, which is full-bodied and full of vitality. A delicious wine that doesn't suffer from the excess richness of its sunny vintage." (Le Guide RVF)

Domaine de la Butte - Bourgueil Le Haut de la Butte 2022

92/100 Bettane & Desseauve

tannic
precise
long finish
game

"Complexity and gourmandise for this Bourgueil of great precision".

This intense cuvée expresses aromas of blackcurrant, redcurrant, violet and peppermint. Ample and silky on the palate, its finish will surprise you with its length and freshness.

Domaine de la Butte - Bourgueil Le Pied de la Butte 2023

fruity
balanced
freshness

"Cuvée plaisir par excellence for this fruity, crunchy Bourgueil!

A fresh, crisp Bourgueil, where fruit dominates, with light spicy and woody notes. A wine of pure pleasure that will win you over with ease! Drink young.

Domaine Yannick Amirault - Bourgueil Cote 50 2023

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4/5 (5 reviews)

90/100 RVF

fruity
gourmet
aperitif
immediate pleasure

"Dashing and dashing with youth, charming. La RVF "

The estate's flagship, Cote 50 expresses the conviviality of Cabernet Franc, with a refined structure and intense fruit. Profile 2023 is balanced and straightforward, with an easy structure and smooth tannins. Ideal for drinking young, this organic wine is emblematic of the Bourgueil appellation.

Domaine Yannick Amirault - Bourgueil Les Quartiers 2021

91/100 Vinous

(2019 vintage notes)
cabernet franc
wooded
silky
delicate
red berries
poultry
goat's cheese

"Mad charm!"

Made from vines over 40 years old, Les Quartiers is a wine that expresses all the power of its grape variety, Cabernet Franc, planted in clay-limestone soil. Still in its youth, it has a very bright future... for those who know how to cellar it for a few years. Perfect balance between power, delicacy and freshness, magnificent!

Domaine Yannick Amirault - Rosé d'Equinoxe 2022

Wine rated 4.6/5Wine rated 4.6/5Wine rated 4.6/5Wine rated 4.6/5Wine rated 4.6/5

4.6/5 (10 reviews)

91/100 Robert Parker

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90/100 James Suckling

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90/100 RVF

cabernet franc
complex
gourmet

"A gourmet rosé that's as tasty as they come!

"Direct-pressed and barrel-aged, Yannick Amirault's 2022 Rosé d'Equinoxe (all Cabernet Franc) exudes a fresh, lively bouquet of flowers, peach, citrus, star anise, red fruits and spices, followed by a taut, energetic palate that's juicy and fresh, and a delicate, long, penetrating finish. The acidity, which underpins it all, is vibrant and racy." (Wine Advocate 2023)

Domaine de la Chevalerie - Bourgueil Bretêche 2015

Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5Rated 3.9/5

3.9/5 (7 reviews)

93/100 RVF

cabernet franc
mineral
finesse
red meat
duck breast
biodynamics

" Beautifully velvety on the palate, a little more overflowing than the cold, slender 2014. It will relax with energy." (Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France 2020 - RVF) This dynamic cuvée comes from young Cabernets imbued with the limestone expression of their hillside. Very fine finish, lengthened by beautiful bitters and smoky notes.

Domaine Yannick Amirault - La Petite Cave 2018

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (25 reviews)

93/100 RVF

cabernet franc
complex
ripe fruit
game

"Still contained by its youth and ageing, La Petite Cave 2018 is moving more towards a solar balance, less fresh but still retaining a seductive velvety texture. More than fifteen years of cellaring will reveal it." (Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France 2022 - RVF). A dense, deep wine, in a roasted style with black cherry and cocoa notes. The palate is both sanguine and refined, with a beautiful fatness that perfectly matches the powdery, racy tannins. This is a highly refined cuvée that is already very enjoyable when young. Great class for this cuvée of great terroir!

Catherine & Pierre Breton - Nuits d'Ivresse 2018

Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5Rated 3.7/5

3.7/5 (3 reviews)

14,5/20 Bettane & Desseauve

(Notes vintage 2017)
gourmet
intensity
no added sulfur

"The spirit of a natural wine

Catherine and Pierre Breton's Nuits d'Ivresse is a gourmet cuvée with accents of ripe fruit and toast. Produced in the "natural" way, with no inputs, the wine is dense and generous, with purity of fruit at its core, and the right balance between fruit and tannin.

Catherine et Pierre Breton - Trinch 2019

Rated 3.1/5Rated 3.1/5Rated 3.1/5Rated 3.1/5Rated 3.1/5

3.1/5 (10 reviews)

15/20 RVF

(Notes vintage 2017)
cabernet franc
tannic
friand
buddy wine

"Thirsty wine

Its fresh, fruity flesh comes from the estate's young vines on gravel and clay-limestone terroir. A thirst-quenching and delicious Cabernet Franc, to be drunk all year round to accompany moments of sharing with friends and family.