Domaine de la Butte Mi-Pente Bourgueil 2021

Domaine de la Butte Mi-Pente Bourgueil 2021 is a finely etched Loire Cabernet Franc from one of the appellation’s most prized mid-slope parcels. Crafted by the late Jacky Blot’s estate, this cuvée captures the tension, purity and elegance that have made Bourgueil a reference point for serious Cabernet Franc lovers. Mi-Pente stands out for its combination of old vines, limestone-rich soils and meticulous organic farming, yielding a wine that is both deeply expressive and remarkably refined.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 Mi-Pente shows a vivid, medium-deep ruby hue with a slight purple edge, hinting at its youthful energy. The nose is precise and lifted, with classic aromas of wild raspberry, blackcurrant and red cherry layered over notes of graphite, cedar shavings and pencil lead, along with subtle hints of violet, tobacco leaf and crushed herbs. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied yet intensely focused, with a fine-boned structure and silky but present tannins. Fresh red and dark berry fruit intertwine with savory tones of damp earth, graphite and a touch of peppery spice, supported by a vibrant, mouthwatering acidity that keeps everything taut and linear. The finish is long, mineral and saline, reflecting the limestone soils that shape the wine’s character. While already approachable with aeration, the 2021 has the structure to evolve beautifully over the next 8–12 years, gaining further complexity and softness with time in bottle.

Production
Mi-Pente is sourced from the central, mid-slope section of Domaine de la Butte’s single, contiguous hillside in Bourgueil, where old Cabernet Franc vines root deeply into limestone and clay over tuffeau bedrock. This privileged exposition combines excellent drainage with optimal sun exposure, producing naturally low yields of concentrated, balanced fruit. Since Jacky Blot’s acquisition of the estate in 2002, the vineyards have been farmed organically, with careful canopy management and predominantly manual work in the vines. Harvest is carried out by hand in small crates, with strict sorting in the vineyard and again at the winery to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy grapes are used. Fermentation typically takes place with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled vats, often with a portion of whole clusters to enhance aromatic lift and structure, followed by élevage in mostly used French oak barrels to refine texture and complexity without masking the purity of fruit or the signature Bourgueil minerality.

Food & Serving
Domaine de la Butte Mi-Pente Bourgueil 2021 is a highly versatile food wine that shines alongside roasted poultry, herb-crusted lamb, veal chops, charcuterie, grilled tuna, and dishes featuring mushrooms or lentils. It pairs beautifully with classic Loire staples like rillettes, goat cheeses, and rustic terrines, as well as lighter game dishes and vegetable-driven cuisine. Serve at 15–16°C (59–61°F) to highlight its freshness and aromatic nuance. In its youth, decanting for 45–60 minutes helps the wine open up and soften the tannins; as it gains bottle age, a shorter aeration or gentle splash-decant will be sufficient to reveal its layered bouquet.

Producer
Domaine de la Butte is the Bourgueil outpost of visionary Loire winemaker Jacky Blot, renowned for redefining Chenin Blanc with Domaine de la Taille aux Loups before turning his attention to Cabernet Franc. Drawn by the potential of a single, contiguous hillside planted with old vines, Blot acquired Domaine de la Butte in 2002 and quickly established it as one of the leading estates in Bourgueil through organic farming, low yields and a terroir-driven approach. The estate’s range, structured around distinct parcels such as Mi-Pente, highlights the nuances of slope, soil and exposure within this exceptional site. Since Jacky Blot’s passing in 2023, his son Jean-Philippe has carried forward the estate’s exacting standards and philosophy, ensuring that Domaine de la Butte remains a benchmark for pure, mineral-driven Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley.

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