Domaine de la Butte Le Haut de la Butte Bourgueil 2023

Domaine de la Butte Le Haut de la Butte Bourgueil 2022 is a precise, characterful expression of Cabernet Franc from one of the appellation’s most esteemed estates. Sourced from the highest vineyards of the domaine, this cuvée marries Loire Valley freshness with real depth and structure. It’s a refined red that will appeal both to loyal Cabernet Franc fans and to Burgundy and Bordeaux drinkers looking for something elegant yet distinctive.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Le Haut de la Butte typically shows a deep garnet to ruby core with violet reflections, hinting at both concentration and youth. The nose, often a little wild just after opening, quickly relaxes into classic Bourgueil aromatics: dark berries such as blackberry, elderberry and blueberry, lifted by floral violet notes, subtle licorice and a whisper of earthy, savoury tones. Hints of graphite, spice and cool stone add complexity as it opens. On the palate, the wine is juicy and vibrant, with a fine balance between ripe dark-berry and plum fruit and the natural freshness that comes from limestone soils. The tannins are firm yet polished, giving the wine a linear, energetic profile without any heaviness. Expect layered flavors of black fruits, a touch of damson and gentle herbal and mineral nuances, all carried by lively acidity. In a good cellar, this wine should evolve beautifully over 8–12 years from vintage, gaining more silkiness and tertiary notes of tobacco, undergrowth and dried flowers while retaining its spine of freshness.

Production
Le Haut de la Butte comes from a six-hectare single vineyard situated around 100 meters above sea level in the Bourgueil appellation, on a plateau of limestone rich in clay and silex (flint). This high, well-drained site naturally limits yields and enhances both freshness and aromatic precision in Cabernet Franc. Harvesting is typically done by hand, allowing for rigorous sorting of the grapes in the vineyard and at the winery. Vinification at Domaine de la Butte follows a low-intervention philosophy: gentle extraction to preserve purity of fruit and fine tannins, followed by élevage only partially in new barriques. This restrained use of oak highlights the finesse and mineral-driven character of the terroir rather than masking it.

Food & Serving
This Bourgueil is a superb partner for classic French bistro fare and refined, savory dishes. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, duck breast, veal chops, pork tenderloin, grilled or braised lamb, as well as charcuterie, pâtés and terrines. It also works well with dishes featuring mushrooms, lentils, root vegetables and mild goat cheeses, a nod to its Loire origins. Serve at 15–17°C, slightly cooler than many full-bodied reds, to emphasize its freshness and aromatic lift. A short decant of 30–60 minutes is recommended in its youth to allow the initial wild notes to blow off and to let the wine’s floral, dark-fruited complexity fully emerge.

Producer
Domaine de la Butte is the Bourgueil estate of the late Jacky Blot, one of the Loire Valley’s most influential and respected vignerons, also renowned for his work at Domaine de la Taille aux Loups in Montlouis and Vouvray. Acquiring and reshaping Domaine de la Butte, Blot focused on meticulous vineyard work, low yields and precise, terroir-driven vinification that rapidly elevated the domaine to reference-point status for Cabernet Franc in the region. The estate’s vineyards are divided by terroir and elevation, with Le Haut de la Butte representing the high-lying plateau and one of its most distinctive single sites. Critically acclaimed and widely admired by sommeliers and collectors, Domaine de la Butte has helped redefine what Bourgueil can be: elegant, ageworthy and intensely expressive of place.

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