Pierre Gauthier/Domaine du Bel Air Bourgueil, les vingt lieux dits 2023
(Loire Valley)

The terroir and soils: Clay-siliceous. South-facing exposure. Average vine age: 40 years. Planting density: 5,000 vines/ha.
Philosophy: Organic farming (Ecocert certified in 2000)

IN THE CELLAR:

Winemaking and aging: In the winery, the grapes are fully destemmed and then sorted again on a sorting table before being transferred to vats. Fermentation is traditional, using indigenous yeasts after a cold pre-fermentation maceration. Vatting is gentle and lasts on average 20 to 30 days with regular pump-overs and punch-downs. The wines are then transferred to barrels or demi-muids, the proportion of new oak varying depending on the cuvée and vintage. The Gauthier family is fortunate to have old caves carved into the tufa rock as aging cellars, providing a cozy environment for the wines. They rest there, serenely, in a stable and insulated setting with ideal natural temperatures for preservation. This cuvée was aged in barrels that had held two or three wines for 12 months. The wines are then bottled unfiltered.

This wine displays a deep, intense ruby color. Aromas of intense black fruit, accompanied by subtle earthy notes, delicately fill the senses. The palate is full, clean, and concentrated. There is no heaviness or acidity. Here, everything is pure, intense, refined, and delicate fruit. The savory and persistent finish leaves an irresistible desire to return to this captivating Bourgueil with relish.