France — wine

Bourgueil

Across the Loire from Chinon. Cabernet Franc on tuffeau — lighter, more immediately aromatic than Chinon. Can be served slightly cool (14°C). Domaine Yannick Amirault is the benchmark. Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil to the west has lighter, sandier soils producing the most approachable Loire reds.

Year Rating Notes
2022 86 Good warm vintage. Richer Bourgueil with dark cherry and tobacco. Less typical but enjoyable earlier.
2019 89 Excellent Bourgueil. Cabernet Franc on tuffeau and gravels delivering classic Loire red — raspberry, graphite, fresh herbs. Pierre-Jacques Druet landmark.