Bourgueil

Bourgueil is one of the Middle Loire Valley's three notable red wine sub-regions. The 120 wineries from seven communes make solely red and rosé wines from just two grape varieties: the characteristic Cabernet Franc, which can be supplemented with up to 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Bourgueil's characteristic style is delicate, with a modest tannic structure and fruity notes. Bourgueil wine tasting is an ideal escape in the heart of France's Loire Valley area. Discover the wine area known for its outstanding Cabernet Franc red wines.

Where is the Bourgueil Wine Region?

Bourgueil is a wine appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC), and one of the three major red wine appellations of the Loire Valley in western France. The majority of the wine is made in the village of Bourgueil, which bears the same name in Indre-et-Loire. The Bourgueil appellation spans more than 20 square kilometres, from plains to hillsides, starting at the Loire River's banks. The additional five AOC-approved villages (Benais, Chouzé-sur-Loire, La Chapelle-sur-Loire, Restigné, and St-Patrice) increase the total vineyard area to over 14 square kilometres.

Unique terroir of Bourgueil appellation

Bourgueil enjoys a climate with little rainfall because it is located on the Western edge of Touraine on the Northern bank of the Loire. Generally, Bourgueil wine region has a predominantly continental climate with some coastal influences. 

Bourgueil terrior consists of three main soil types: the rocky soil of the islets rising out of the most recent alluvia, the sandy and gravelly soil of the high terraces, and the limestone-rich soil of the beaches that lean back onto forestland. 

The vineyards are protected from the harshest winds from the north by a forest and benefits from the warmer temperatures of the Touraine during the vegetative period.

History of Bourgueil wine region

According to the earliest documented records, the founding of the Abbey of Bourgueil in 990 appears to represent the beginning of the bourgueillois vineyard. 

Father Baudry praised his wine and the allure of his monastery in 1189. The grapevine overgrew the monastery walls over the years and ran onto the slopes and prehistoric Loire banks. Bourgueil vineyard was started during the reign of Saint Martin of Tours in the fourth century. 

The vineyards of the Bourgueil wine region have been exporting great wines for a long time, taking advantage of their location on the banks of the Loire. They have focused on exporting towards the sea, notably towards Flemish nations, since the 17th century.

Bourgueil received its AOC status when regulatory laws were passed on 31 July 1937. It covers a total of 3460 acres in 6 municipalities in the Indre-et-Loire department.

What is Bourgueil Wine?

Bourgueil wine is created from the Cabernet Franc grape varietal, sometimes known as Cabernet Breton in France. The local French AOC standards allow for a 10% Cabernet Sauvignon mix in Bourgueil wines to make them richer and more complex. Bourgueil red wines feature a flowery and fruity aroma that develops into earthiness as the wine matures. These wines mature beautifully in the bottle, lasting up to 20 years. Rosé wine production is minimal, accounting for just 2-5% of overall output. They are light and fruity. The “tufa wines” are full-bodied and tannic in their youth, but capable of long ageing, they can flourish and present then characters of a very interesting aromatic complexity.

Bourgueil's geology is hugely affecting the wine style of the region. Closer to the Loire River vines provide sweeter, lighter wines with the classic notes of red fruits found in Cabernet Franc. Wines that are sweet and delicious are produced because the soils are softer and sandier close to water. The limestone-based soils higher up on the hills above the banks result in wines that are considerably more structured and strong, with deeper and more intense flavours. 

Food to Pair with Bourgueil wine

Steak au poivre

Steak au poivre is a French meal that consists of a fried beef steak covered in crushed peppercorns. It is served with a sauce created in the same pan in which the steak was cooked. Traditionally, the meal is served with potatoes and a salad on the side. 

The meal originated in the 19th century in Normandy's bistros, when men took ladies for late evenings of steak au poivre due to the pepper's reputed aphrodisiac effects, according to Francis Marie, a famed steak specialist. 

Reblochon

Reblochon is a semi-hard, pressed cheese created from unpasteurized cow's milk that must mature for at least 15 days in the French regions of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. According to legend, it exists because a farmer turned the milk into cheese to conceal a portion of his milk output to reduce the "milk taxes" he paid to the pasture's owners. The peel of reblochon is golden to orange, with an ivory body within. Its rind is edible, and the flavour is nutty and somewhat fruity. The aroma is strong and suggestive of cellars where wine has aged. It melts well and goes well with roasted potatoes.

Sopa de tomate, Portuguese Tomato Soup

The creamy and hearty tomato soup, known as sopa de tomate in traditional Portuguese cuisine, is found in many other nations throughout the world. The soup is made with tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The components are slowly sautéed in olive oil, simmered in water, then puréed and thickened with flour on occasion. It's typically served with poached eggs, toasted croutons, or crusty buttered bread in Portugal.

Places to visit in Bourgueil

Château of Montsoreau

The Château of Montsoreau has been memorialized multiple times, most famously by Alexandre Dumas in his 1845–1846 novel La Dame de Monsoreau. Montsoreau has been primarily a museum of contemporary art since 2016, with the world's greatest collection. artworks by artists associated with the Art and Language movement.  It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Château d'Ussé

The Château d'Ussé's construction began in the 15th century. Its architecture is unique since it is inspired by both medieval and Renaissance styles. 

The Château d'Ussé, which is surrounded by French gardens, a church, and stables, is open all year..

Candes-Saint-Martin

Candes-Saint-Martin is a commune of 212 inhabitants in the department of Indre-et-Loire in the Center-Val de Loire region. Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Candes-Saint-Martin is the perfect setting for an incredible view: from the north bank of the Loire, the white of the tufa stone of the village separates the blue of the sky and the Loire. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Bourgueil