2017 CHANTELEUSERIE "CUVEE ALOUETTES" BOURGEUIL

2017 CHANTELEUSERIE "CUVEE ALOUETTES" BOURGEUIL, FRANCE. 100% Cabernet Franc.

Thierry Boucard represents the seventh generation of his family to run Domaine de la Chanteleuserie, an estate blessed with some of the appellation’s finest parcels. From their south-facing limestone sites, in fact, Thierry and his forebears have produced beautifully nuanced Bourgueils with the structure to age for decades in bottle. The Cuvée Alouettes, however, comes from sandier soils, which tend to yield softer wines with very supple tannins—perfect for drinking young. It saw fermentation and aging in stainless steel to preserve maximum aromas of fresh fruit, and the fruits are not lacking: wild berries jump out of the glass invitingly, while a peppery note adds an earthy twist. The gentle finish makes it oh-so gulpable—be sure to put a slight chill on it, and serve with picnic fare, lunch, or a BLT. (Importer)