Domaine de la Butte : Perrières 2022

The elegance and structure of a red Bourgueil wine

The estate

Located in France in the Loire Valley, Domaine de la Butte was acquired and restructured in 2002 by Jacky Blot. This 14-hectare vineyard overlooks the plains of the Bourgueil appellation. A pioneer of organic farming and a rigorous plot-by-plot approach, the founder left a lasting mark on the region. Since his passing in 2023, his son Jean-Philippe Blot has been at the helm of the estate. He continues the family philosophy with minimal-intervention winemaking, crafting wines that fully express their geological identity.

The vineyard

The vineyard overlooks the alluvial plains of Bourgueil, a topographical position that shields the vines from cold currents. The "Perrières" cuvée comes from a small 0.8-hectare plot facing due south. The vines, around 40 years old, are planted on tuffeau limestone soil covered with a thin layer of clay. The estate practices certified organic farming, deliberately limiting yields. The harvest is carried out by hand with rigorous berry sorting.

The vintage

2022 began with a mild winter, followed by a spring marked by two frost episodes in early April. However, the low humidity levels helped preserve the buds. After early budbreak, summer arrived with intense heat and several heatwaves. Despite the summer drought, beneficial rainfall in June and delayed véraison helped avoid a stalling of the vegetative cycle. Harvesting took place under good conditions, yielding healthy, concentrated grapes.

Winemaking and aging

For the 2022 "Perrières" cuvée, the grapes are fully destemmed. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in wooden and concrete vats, with no chaptalization. Maceration lasts around three weeks, accompanied by gentle punching down and pumping over. Malolactic fermentation occurs in wooden vats. Aging spans one year in barrels, comprising 20% new oak, 40% one-wine barrels, and 40% two-wine barrels. Bottling takes place in the fall, without fining or filtration.

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc (100%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Domaine de la Butte's "Perrières" 2022

Tasting notes

Color
Beautifully deep, the color reveals a brilliant garnet-red hue.

Nose
The nose reveals a complex aromatic palette blending black cherry, cocoa, and forest floor scents, underscored by a delicate hint of menthol.

Palate
The palate opens with a bold, dynamic attack, introducing a rich body with flavors of black fruit, prune, and sweet spices. The texture proves silky, supported by fine, well-integrated tannins. The whole offers lovely balance and stretches into a long, mouthwatering finish.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs perfectly with flavorful meats such as roasted lamb chops, herb-roasted chicken, or braised poultry. It also pairs beautifully with saucy dishes like stew or rich lasagna, as well as hard cheeses or aged goat cheeses.

Service and storage

This wine is best served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for several hours is recommended while it's young to help open up its aromas. It can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve in the cellar until around 2033.