BOURGUEIL Le HAUT de la BUTTE 2021 by Jacky Blot Domaine de la Butte Red Loire Wine 75 cl

Description

Bourgueil Le Haut de la Butte 2021: Cabernet Franc from Domaine de la Butte

Le Haut de la Butte 2021 from Domaine de la Butte is a red wine from the Bourgueil appellation in France’s Loire Valley. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, it highlights the grape’s ability to combine ripe fruit, fine tannins and refreshing character. The wine is presented in a 75 cl bottle and has an alcohol content of 12.5% ABV according to the Calais Vins product listing. Its style is generous yet elegant, with a silky texture and a finish that retains freshness. It is an appealing choice for enthusiasts looking for a structured Loire red with a clear sense of place.

A hillside vineyard with limestone and flint

Le Haut de la Butte comes from the upper part of the Bourgueil hillside, where limestone bedrock is covered with flint-rich conglomerates. The slope and soil contribute to the identity of the wine, helping shape its combination of aromatic freshness, depth and fine structure. Domaine de la Butte is associated with a parcel-based approach that seeks to express the distinctive character of different vineyard sites. Organic viticulture, careful grape selection and attention during harvest support the goal of preserving fruit quality and reflecting the terroir in the finished wine.

Ripe red and black fruit with subtle spice

The 2021 vintage offers an aromatic profile centred on ripe red and black fruits, including blackcurrant and cherry. Floral, spicy and mineral nuances may add complexity as the wine opens. On the palate, the texture is full and silky, with tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the fruit. A fresh finish balances the wine’s generous mid-palate and gives the tasting a sense of precision. This combination of ripe fruit, smooth tannins and freshness makes Le Haut de la Butte suitable for the dinner table as well as for a more focused tasting.

Winemaking and maturation

Available technical information describes an élevage of approximately twelve months, using a combination of large wooden vats and older barrels. This approach helps develop texture and complexity while allowing the Cabernet Franc character to remain at the centre of the wine. The aim is not simply to increase oak influence, but to support the fruit and structure already present in the grapes. When opening a bottle, allowing the wine to breathe can help reveal its aromatic layers. Decanting for one to two hours is a useful starting point, particularly if the wine initially seems reserved; tasting as it opens will help determine when it is showing best.

Food pairing ideas

Le Haut de la Butte 2021 pairs naturally with grilled or roasted red meat, roast beef, duck and selected game dishes. It also works well with barbecue food and mature cheeses. For a relaxed dinner, serve it with grilled steak and roasted vegetables; for a more traditional menu, try it with a slow-cooked beef dish or roast duck. Mushroom-based dishes can also complement the wine’s earthy and savoury nuances. A serving temperature of around 15–17°C is a good guideline. Avoid serving it too warm, as excessive temperature can make the alcohol more noticeable and reduce the impression of freshness.

An expressive Loire red for Cabernet Franc lovers

Le Haut de la Butte 2021 illustrates the depth and elegance that Cabernet Franc can achieve in Bourgueil. The upper hillside location, limestone-and-flint terroir and measured maturation contribute to a wine that is structured without losing its silky character. It is well suited to wine lovers who appreciate a red with aromatic complexity, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Enjoy it after suitable aeration with a carefully chosen meal, or follow its development under appropriate cellar conditions. This cuvée offers a rewarding way to explore the diversity of Loire Valley reds and the distinctive personality of Bourgueil.