2020 Domaine de la Butte Bourgueil "Le Haut de la Butte", Loire Valley, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

A wonderfully fruity, complex Cabernet Franc with nice weight and fine tannins. Dark fruit flavors mix with notes of bell pepper, all underscored by good mineral tension. Sourced from south-facing 35-year-old and older vines. The vines are grown on a mix of clay and silex soils over limestone. The grapes are organically grown and hand-harvested in small crates. Fermentation and aging take place in a mix of cement and older barrels. Only indigenous yeasts are used along with non-interventionist wine-making; no filtering or fining.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

A pioneer of the movement towards terroir-driven, single-parcel wine, Jacky Blot left a legacy 25 plus years in the making, ever since Jacky first purchased eight hectares of 50 to 75-year-old vines in Montlouis in the late 1980s, creating his Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups. In 2002, Blot expanded his business by acquiring Domaine de La Butte in Bourgueil, allowing him to produce red and white wines under four appellations. Sadly, Jacky left us on May 15th, 2023. Jacky's non-interventionist approach to winemaking extended to his red wines. His Cabernet Franc from Bourgueil has enjoyed a reputation for complexity, weight, and fruit balanced with minerality. Organic practices are carried out in both of the Domaines. Transforming and building this organically certified property began in 1988 with an ongoing commitment to natural farming practices and non-interventionist vinification. Jacky and his wife, Joëlle, opened wine cellars across the region, followed by a restaurant named Le Bistrot des Belles Caves in Tours, which is renowned for its remarkable wine list.

He is survived by Joëlle, his children and several grandchildren. Jacky's son, Jean-Philippe, has taken charge of both Domaines after working with his father for the last ten years.