Viniou Reviews
Les Gadelières 2023 from the Bourgueil AOC is an expressive red wine that perfectly embodies the classic character of the Loire Valley’s Cabernet Franc. Bottled as a single varietal in this vintage, the wine captures the lively, youthful profile typical of recent harvests, offering both freshness and aromatic complexity. The terroir of Bourgueil, defined by its mix of tuffeau limestone and silty clay soils, imparts a signature mineral tension, which supports the vibrant red fruit and subtle vegetal nuances of Cabernet Franc—think wild raspberry, red currant, and a gentle hint of bell pepper. In the cellar, Bourgueil reds are usually vinified in stainless steel or concrete vats to preserve purity and fruit-forward style, occasionally with a brief maturation in old oak, heightening structure without overshadowing freshness.
The Bourgueil appellation, nested on the north bank of the Loire River in Touraine, is renowned for its temperate climate, tempered by river breezes that aid grape ripening while maintaining balanced acidity. Vineyards here benefit from varied exposures and elevations, producing reds with both immediate charm and aging potential. Historically, Bourgueil has been prized since the Middle Ages, its wines favoured by the French nobility for their finesse and adaptability at table.
As for food pairings, Les Gadelières Bourgueil 2023 will shine with dishes that echo its brightness and light tannins. Traditional pairings include charcuterie, especially rillettes de Tours or andouillette, as well as grilled poultry, roast pork, or classic Loire goat cheeses like Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. The wine’s vivacious acidity and gentle grip also complement more modern fare such as vegetable tarts, lentil salads, or herb-roasted chicken.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Bourgueil at a slightly cool temperature—around 14-15°C. Decanting for a short time can help open up its aromatic profile, and the wine will evolve gracefully over the next 2 to 4 years, gaining complexity while retaining its characteristic Loire Valley freshness.
