Bourgueil Perrières 2022 Domaine de La Butte | Loire

The Bourgueil Perrières from Domaine de La Butte fits into the hierarchy of terroir-driven cuvées conceived by Jacky Blot, the wine estate’s visionary founder, occupying a middle ground between the approachability of the Haut de la Butte and the depth of the Mi-Pente. Grown on a gently sloping, south-facing plot where vines over forty years old are rooted in clay-limestone soil rich in tuffeau, this cuvée of pure Cabernet Franc benefits from exceptional sun exposure, which gives the grapes even ripening and beautiful concentration. Yields, deliberately kept very low, ensure the quality and precision of the fruit.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: The Bourgueil Perrières from Domaine de La Butte always holds wonderful surprises, as this plot stands out for its natural suppleness and consistent elegance from one vintage to the next. It produces a Cabernet Franc that is highly approachable in its youth, without ever sacrificing depth; it reveals its full character after a few hours in a decanter and continues to gain complexity with age.

The nose opens charmingly with notes of ripe red fruits, led by black cherry, accompanied by delicate hints of cocoa and forest floor. A fresh, slightly spicy minty touch characterizes the typical style of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, adding an airy and refreshing dimension to this beautifully elegant bouquet.

On the palate, the wine is supple and full-bodied, supported by fine, perfectly integrated tannins that envelop the palate without ever weighing it down. Aromas of sweet spices, blackcurrant, and prune extend the fruit with intensity, leading to a long, fresh finish supported by lovely natural acidity, which confirms the full ageing potential of this fine expression of Bourgueil.