Wines Bourgueil Domaine Chanteloup - Vieilles Vignes - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Chanteloup’s “Vieilles Vignes” 2020 from the Bourgueil AOC is a quintessential Loire Valley red, crafted predominantly from Cabernet Franc, which thrives in this region. The “Vieilles Vignes” designation signifies that the grapes are sourced from old vines, typically yielding more concentrated fruit and complexity in the final wine. The 2020 vintage was marked by a balanced growing season, providing ripe, healthy grapes that translate into expressive aromas and depth in the bottle. The terroir of Bourgueil is known for its mix of gravelly soils and tuffeau limestone, which imparts both freshness and structure. Vinification at Domaine Chanteloup favours minimal intervention, preserving the purity of fruit, while traditional ageing in neutral vessels allows the nuanced character of old vines and the subregion’s terroir to shine through.

The Touraine subregion in the Loire Valley enjoys a relatively cool, temperate climate, influenced by the Loire River, which moderates temperatures and reduces the risk of frost. Bourgueil’s soils, a blend of sand, gravel, and the distinctive tuffeau chalk, are ideally suited to Cabernet Franc, offering wines of finesse, freshness, and gentle tannic grip. The area boasts a rich viticultural history, with monastic roots and a reputation for producing some of the most food-friendly reds in the Loire. The old vines, or "vieilles vignes," typically decades old, result in lower yields but more concentrated berries, lending a subtle complexity and finely woven texture to the wine.

This Bourgueil makes a superb pairing with classic Loire cuisine such as rillettes de Tours, duck breast with black cherries, or grilled pork tenderloin with herbs. The wine’s lively acidity and elegant tannins also enhance vegetarian dishes like lentil stew with root vegetables or a mushroom and beet Wellington. Regional goat cheeses, such as Sainte-Maure de Touraine, offer a harmonious match, while a charcuterie board brings out the wine’s berry-driven freshness.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for 30 minutes to open up the bouquet, and serve at a temperature of 14-16°C. This will highlight its aromatic complexity and supple texture, providing a perfect balance of fruit, spice, and minerality.