The terroir tale of Domaine de la Butte and its must-taste Bourgueil trio

Where Passion Meets Grapes: The Story of Domaine de la Butte and the Blot Family

Nestled in the picturesque hillsides of Bourgueil, Domaine de la Butte is a true jewel of the Loire Valley, lovingly crafted by the passionate and visionary Jacky Blot. For over a decade, Jacky dedicated himself to white wines, but one fateful day, he stumbled upon the notion of applying his meticulous techniques to the celebrated Cabernet Franc. The allure of this grape led him on an adventurous quest through the vineyards of Chinon, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, and Bourgueil, in search of the perfect blend of climatic and geological conditions—an enticing eureka moment that many a wine lover dreams of.

In 2002, Jacky discovered his treasure trove—a breathtaking 15-hectare estate, with 12 hectares forming a contiguous piece of land on a south-facing slope, unrivaled in the region. This location is truly a sight to behold. Picture vines basking in the warmth of the sun, carefully tended on slopes that are relatively rare in the Loire. For those familiar with the region’s charms, one can almost hear the Cabernet Franc grapes whispering tales of sun-drenched days and starry nights. Nestled in the protective embrace of a forest, the Domaine de la Butte elegantly overlooks the alluvial plains from the hilltop, offering a distinct terroir that produces truly authentic wines.

Jean-Philippe Blot has seamlessly taken the reins from his father, Jacky Blot, who passed away earlier this year. As Jean-Philippe prepares for his first solo vintage, there’s a sense of continuity rather than pressure—a testament to the strength of a legacy firmly rooted in shared understanding and unspoken language. It’s as if the vineyards themselves still echo the songs Jacky once hummed, reassuring all that the methods and vision remain tangible and vibrant.

The Blot family has cultivated a remarkable legacy across two estates: Domaine de la Butte in Bourgueil and La Taille aux Loups in Montlouis and Vouvray. Together, these properties encompass 70 hectares of lovingly tended vineyards, blending passion with the art of winemaking in a fashion that transcends mere production. Each bottle encapsulates years of history and dedication, a testament to the family’s commitment to their craft across both appellations.

Though Jacky is no longer there, his spirit lives on within the estate he so cherished. Jean-Philippe recalls their silent symbiosis in the vineyard—“We worked together; we didn’t need to speak to understand one another.” (read the interview of Jean-Philippe for 37° Mag). This is the heart of wine-making, a dance of understanding between man, earth, and vine. Within those carefully nurtured grapes lies not just an inheritance of soil and vine, but a family story that pairs beautifully with each bottle they produce from their beloved domaine.

A Limestone Treasure Chest for Exceptional Bourgueil Wines

Tucked away in the picturesque landscapes of the Loire Valley, Bourgueil offers a unique terroir that winemakers and wine enthusiasts alike have cherished for centuries. This region is celebrated for its Cabernet Franc, a grape variety that thrives in the local micro-climates and soil compositions, producing wines with distinctive character and charm. It’s not just the wines that have an irresistible allure; it’s also the soil they spring from—each bottle almost seems to whisper tales of the land from which it was born. Venture into this idyllic setting and, quite literally, you’ll stumble into Domaine de la Butte, where Jacky Blot’s revolutionary approach to wine has left an indelible mark.

Let’s dig a little deeper—literally—into what makes the Domaine de la Butte’s micro-terroir so special in Bourgueil. Situated on one of the most beautiful hillsides, the vineyard stretches across fifteen contiguous hectares. The slope is unusual for the region, adding a slight yet significant geographical twist to the vineyard by providing the vines with southern exposure that encourages optimal sunlight absorption and fantastic drainage. This southern exposure, coupled with the vineyard’s proximity to forests that act as a buffer against frost, has created a setting nothing short of magical for wine production. If there were a fairy tale about vineyards, Domaine de la Butte might just be where it would begin.

What truly sets the wines from Domaine de la Butte apart is the quality of its soils. The estate is a perfect “trilogie des sols“, boasting a unique combination of clay, limestone, and sand—each contributing its distinctive influence to the grapes. Clay lends firmness and structure to the wine, while limestone brings in minerality and finesse, and sand ensures an aromatic elegance that is hard to resist. Together, these elements create a harmonious environment for Cabernet Franc to express its full potential, rewarding us with wines that carry both the intensity and subtlety that lovers of this prestigious grape yearn for. It’s a bit like a perfectly curated jazz band, where each instrument plays its part to create a blissful symphony in your glass.

Ever-passionate about expressing the purity of the terroir, the Blot family remains unwavering in their commitment to sustainable, organic viticulture. Under Jean-Philippe Blot’s watchful eye, the legacy initiated by his father Jacky Blot—the alchemist of winemaking—continues to flourish. The biodynamic practices employed at Domaine de la Butte go beyond mere environmental stewardship; they aim to capture the soul of the land in each bottle. Through this dedication to organic practices and respect for nature, the wines from Domaine de la Butte don’t just tell a story of terroir—they sing it. Yes, cultivating wine in this respectful manner is a labor of love and perhaps, a poetic nod to the Burgundy monks who, centuries ago, already knew the value of letting nature do most of the talking. Here at Domaine de la Butte, it appears they’ve taken a leaf out of the monk’s book (and maybe a few sips).

The Divine Bourgueil Trinity : A Flavorful Ascent of the “Butte” (hill)

There’s something truly enchanting about Domaine de la Butte. After over a decade dedicated to crafting white wines, Jacky Blot’s yearning to experiment with red made his dream materialize. Set meticulously on the stunning slopes of Bourgueil, this domain embodies the ideal climate for Cabernet Franc.

Let’s dive into the first gem of this trinity: Le Pied de la Butte. Often heralded as a delicious introduction for those new to the realm of red wines, this intoxicating creation showcases pure indulgence right from the first sip. Here, you can expect a fruit-forward experience with charming hints of ripe red berries, reminiscent of exploring an old French market bursting with flavor. As the vines thrive on the unique soil composition, this wine becomes a beautiful gateway for curious taste buds, ideal for sipping alongside a charcuterie board or a friendly gathering of good company. Trust me, Le Pied de la Butte may well turn you into a Cabernet Franc believer.

Now, let’s scale the hillside to the Mi-Pente. Imagine an acrobat balancing on a tightrope, yet instead of juggling balls, it’s bringing forth the impeccable expression of Bourgueil’s terroir. This wine is all about equilibrium, striking that perfect balance between fruit, tannins, and acidity. It’s slightly heavier than its counterpart, offering a deeper aromatic profile that invites you in. This perfection is a result of careful vineyard management and the diverse soil types that define the region. If you’re inclined to savor a glass of Mi-Pente as the sun dips below the horizon over the Loire River, you’ll understand how it captures the very essence of its place, enriching every moment shared with friends.

Ascending further, we reach the illustrious Le Haut de la Butte, perched at the pinnacle of sophistication and elegance. This wine is nothing short of a master class in the aging potential of Cabernet Franc—a statement piece, if you will. Its delicate nuances and layers develop gracefully over the years, revealing themselves coyly to the patient wine lover.This expression showcases finesse that feels almost regal. Crafted from the oldest vines on the estate, it promises to age gracefully, developing complexity over the years. The intricate layers of flavor unfold slowly, revealing notes of dark fruits, subtle spices, and a delicate earthiness, all held together by a silky texture. So, if you’ve ever wondered how wine can mirror life—layered, complex, and full of surprises—Le Haut de la Butte encapsulates this philosophy beautifully, inviting contemplative moments with each pour.

To truly appreciate this trinity, there’s no better way than embarking on a comparative tasting journey. This vertical exploration through the slopes of Bourgueil will spark delightful revelations about how the changing elevation and varying exposure contribute to the distinctiveness of each wine. You know what they say: life is like a bottle of wine; it gets better with every sip, especially when you’ve got such divine choices. No need to rush, just allow the layers of flavor and the uniqueness of each tier to unravel as you sip your way through a memorable experience.

Which one piques your interest to dive into first?

Tasting at the winery ?

Head to the Domaine de la Taille aux Loups in Montlouis for a truly unique experience! You’ll also have the chance to explore the cuvées from Domaine de la Butte. Reservations are mandatory, so don’t wait to plan your visit and enjoy these treasures.

Domaine de la Taille aux Loups

Domaine de la Taille aux Loups deploys its 25 hectares of vines in the heart of the Touraine wine region. The winery produces wines from…

Domaine de la Butte

Domaine de la Butte deploys its 15 hectares of vines in the heart of the Touraine wine region. Located on the Bourgueil vineyard, the winery…