{"product_id":"domaine-de-la-butte-mi-pente-bourgueil-2018","title":"Domaine de la Butte Mi-Pente Bourgueil 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eDomaine de la Butte Mi-Pente Bourgueil 2018 is a pure, characterful expression of Cabernet Franc from one of the Loire Valley’s most respected vignerons. Sourced from mid-slope parcels on a single contiguous hillside, this cuvée captures the ideal balance between ripeness, freshness and mineral finesse. It is a benchmark red from Bourgueil, crafted by the late Jacky Blot, who helped redefine what Loire Cabernet Franc can be at the highest level.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2018 Mi-Pente shows a deep, vivid ruby core with bright garnet highlights at the rim. The nose opens with an elegant mix of black cherry, ripe redcurrant and wild raspberry, layered with notes of graphite, violets, tobacco leaf and a subtle hint of cedar and spice from élevage.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is both sleek and powerful, with fine-grained tannins and a precise, mineral backbone. Juicy dark berry fruit is interwoven with savoury notes of pencil shavings, dried herbs and a touch of cocoa, leading into a long, mouthwatering finish marked by freshness and chalky grip. The 2018 vintage delivers generous fruit and structure, making this a Bourgueil that drinks beautifully now with a short decant, but it also has excellent aging potential; properly cellared, it should evolve gracefully over 10–15 years, gaining in complexity and tertiary nuances.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMi-Pente is drawn from the prized mid-slope (“mi-pente”) section of Domaine de la Butte’s south-facing hillside in Bourgueil, a single, enclosed vineyard that runs from the crest down into the valley. The soils here are classic Loire tuffeau and clay-limestone, giving natural elegance, minerality and tension to old-vine Cabernet Franc. The vines, many over 70 years old, have been farmed organically since Jacky Blot took over the estate in 2002, with low yields and meticulous work in the vineyard to ensure optimal ripeness and healthy fruit. Harvesting is carried out by hand, with strict sorting of the bunches. In the cellar, fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled vats with native yeasts, followed by aging in carefully selected barrels to refine the tannins and build complexity, while preserving the purity and precision of the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Bourgueil is a natural partner for refined, savoury dishes: think roast lamb with herbs, duck breast, venison, veal chops, or classic French bistro plates such as entrecôte with pepper sauce. It also pairs beautifully with charcuterie, aged goat’s cheese from the Loire, and earthy preparations featuring mushrooms or lentils. Serve at 16–18°C to highlight its aromatic detail and freshness. A decant of 45–60 minutes is recommended in its youth to allow the tannins to soften and the bouquet to fully unfurl; older bottles can be opened more gently and decanted only to remove sediment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDomaine de la Butte is the Bourgueil outpost of the late Jacky Blot, one of the Loire Valley’s most influential and visionary winegrowers, renowned for his work with Chenin Blanc at Domaine de la Taille aux Loups. When he acquired Domaine de la Butte in 2002, he recognized the unique potential of its single, contiguous hillside of old-vine Cabernet Franc and set about farming it organically, parcel by parcel. Under his guidance, and now that of his son Jean-Philippe, the estate has become a reference for terroir-driven, precision-made Bourgueil, with cuvées that clearly express the nuances of slope and soil. Jacky Blot’s legacy as a pioneer of quality-focused, low-yield, artisanal viticulture has left an enduring mark on the Loire, and Domaine de la Butte stands among the appellation’s most esteemed producers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de la Butte SCEA J Blot","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252567724369,"sku":"VC-12580","price":35.71,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/bild_domaine_de_la_butte_bourgueil_mi_pente_2018_1280x1280_c0d84aee-20ed-4e7c-a0aa-66e73ca30d16.jpg?v=1783445171","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/domaine-de-la-butte-mi-pente-bourgueil-2018","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}