Domaine de la Butte Le Haut de la Butte Bourgueil 2021

From the highest vineyards of Domaine de la Butte, Le Haut de la Butte Bourgueil 2021 captures Cabernet Franc in its most refined and energetic Loire expression. Sourced from a six-hectare single parcel perched around 100 meters above sea level, this cuvée showcases the tension between ripe dark fruit and the limestone-driven freshness that Bourgueil is celebrated for. Crafted by the late, visionary winemaker Jacky Blot, it stands as both a benchmark for the appellation and a tribute to his pursuit of purity, precision, and terroir honesty.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Le Haut de la Butte 2021 shows a deep, vibrant ruby color with a subtle purple edge, hinting at both youth and concentration. The nose opens initially a touch wild and earthy, with a faintly animal, ferrous edge that quickly gives way to a more composed aromatic profile. As it relaxes in the glass, classic Cabernet Franc notes emerge clearly: dark berries such as elderberry, blackberry, and blueberry, layered with a floral lift of violets, a whisper of licorice, and a discreet vegetal-spice nuance reminiscent of red cabbage and crushed herbs. On the palate, the wine is juicy and precise, driven by pure dark berry fruit and ripe plum, framed by a lively, mouthwatering acidity. There is a suggestion of initial sweetness to the fruit attack, quickly balanced by fine-boned tannins and the cool, chalky grip born of limestone soils. The mid-palate shows good depth without heaviness, with subtle oak accents that add structure rather than overt flavor. The finish is long, sapid, and saline, leaving a fresh, slightly savory impression that invites another sip. Enjoyable now with aeration, this 2021 has the structure and acidity to evolve beautifully over the next 6–8 years, gaining complexity and softening its youthful edges.

Production
Le Haut de la Butte comes from the estate’s highest-lying parcel in Bourgueil, a six-hectare single vineyard rooted in limestone bedrock interlayered with clay and silex (flint). This elevated, well-drained terroir naturally limits vigor and concentrates flavor while preserving notable freshness in the grapes. Harvesting is typically done by hand, with careful selection of bunches to ensure only optimally ripe Cabernet Franc is brought to the cellar. Vinification follows Jacky Blot’s philosophy of minimal intervention: gentle extraction to favor finesse over power, native ferments when conditions allow, and judicious use of oak. The wine is only partially aged in new barriques, with the remainder in older barrels, so that the élevage polishes the tannins and adds texture without masking the clarity of fruit and the mineral signature of the site.

Food & Serving
Le Haut de la Butte 2021 is a versatile red that shines alongside dishes that echo its savory, herbal complexity. Think roasted poultry with thyme, duck breast with berry or red-wine reductions, charcuterie and pâtés, or classic Loire pairings like rillettes and grilled pork. It is equally at home with roast lamb, veal, or earthy vegetable dishes such as lentil stews, mushroom ragouts, and beet or cabbage-based plates that mirror its subtle vegetal notes. Serve at 15–16°C to highlight its freshness and aromatic detail. Decanting for 30–60 minutes is recommended in its youth to tame the initial wildness on the nose and allow the dark fruit, floral tones, and minerality to fully unfold.

Producer
Domaine de la Butte, led for many years by the acclaimed vigneron Jacky Blot, is one of the reference estates for Cabernet Franc in the Loire’s Bourgueil appellation. Blot, already renowned for his groundbreaking work with Montlouis and Vouvray whites, applied the same precision and terroir-driven mindset to red wine at Domaine de la Butte. The property is a patchwork of distinct parcels on the Bourgueil hillside, each vinified separately to capture its individual character. Through meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and a restrained, artisanal approach in the cellar, the domaine has helped redefine what Bourgueil can be: elegant, ageworthy, and intensely expressive of site. Today, wines like Le Haut de la Butte stand as key benchmarks for the region and carry forward the legacy of one of the Loire’s most influential producers.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.