If wine could speak, the cuvée “Ansodelles” might whisper in alexandrines. Or perhaps, like Jacques Tati gliding silently across cinematic France, it would simply let its finesse do the talking. In either case, this petite revelation from the Bourgueil appellation refuses to shout, yet leaves a lasting echo.
Let’s rewind a moment — to the days when monks from the Benedictine Abbey of Bourgueil (founded in 990 AD) first tended these fertile slopes. They chose their hills wisely; the tuffeau stone cliffs and mixed silica-limestone soils proved their devotion not only to God but to good taste. These characteristics still define the area’s Cabernet Franc, offering freshness underscored by a structure more poised than assertive.
Such wines quickly acquired admirers. In 1627, the renowned Cardinal Richelieu allegedly ordered barrels of Bourgueil dispatched to Paris to supply his court — after all, even architects of royal decrees need a drinkable ally. Yet, centuries later, some clichés endure, as persistent as cork in a faulty neck: that Bourgueil is rustic, vegetal, sometimes thin. True — but only if you stray from the known path.
The “Ansodelles” cuvée is crafted precisely to prove those clichés tired. From its first glance — a deep ruby hue with glimmers of garnet — it signals that we’re no longer dealing with your weekday bottle of vin de Loire. This comes from among the oldest plots of vines and undergoes an élevage in barrels extending over several months. The result? A compact but powerful bottle (notably in a 50cl format that suggests quality over quantity), exuding aromas of redcurrant, crushed berries, and a whisper of warm spice.
Indeed, the mid-palate builds to something broader: toasty vanilla, gentle cedar, and integrated tannins give it a rounded, elegant finish. What’s striking is the wine’s deliberate restraint. No flash. No over-extraction. Just balance, depth, and a long finale that lingers like the memory of a perfect evening in Chinon’s old quarter.
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What elevates this particular Cabernet Franc beyond the expected? Subtle winemaking choices: the careful berry selection by hand, the gentle maceration to preserve fruit freshness, and patient barrel aging — often in older oak — to refine rather than dominate. The result sits between iron and silk, or, to borrow from food pairings, somewhere between gouda and game.
Want a pairing? Imagine this with grilled meats — try the iconic Portuguese batatas a murro and game sausages — or better still, a wedge of aged Tomme. Its oak influence and supple texture lend themselves beautifully to smoky and creamy contrasts. If you’re the type inclined to ponder tannin evolution by fireplace glow, open a bottle an hour or two before serving and observe how the woods and berries slowly extend a gentle curtsy.
Delving deeper, the local terroir in Bourgueil — particularly in plots sloping towards the Loire — contributes to the wine’s signature balance. The interplay of sand and gravel offers supple fruit, while limestone underpinnings lend mineral thrust. And in cuvées like “Ansodelles”, everything seems orchestrated: from bud selection to fermentation temperatures — all signaling a winemaker who prefers Domaine to drama.
Perhaps that is the secret of such wines — they evoke without ostentation. In the landscape of overextracted reds and globalized palates, the best wines from this part of France remain firmly, resolutely local. As if to say, with a wink: You came for fruit. You stayed for finesse.
The 50cl format is not just a stylistic choice — it embodies the philosophy. Not everything delicious has to come in heroic proportions. Like a well-curated novella — say, Colette’s Sido — the small can hold unexpected depths.
So next time you meander through the Loire, consider skipping the flashy tasting room and follow the whisper instead. “Ansodelles” may just be waiting — somewhere between a sun-warmed stone wall and a forest trail — to reveal how quietly brilliant a Bourgueil can be.
A wine for those who believe that elegance lies not in excess but in intention. And if you’re curious to explore more refined reds with stories to tell, you just might want to join our newsletter below.
Discover the Ansodelles winery
Domaine Ansodelles
Domaine Ansodelles deploys its 4 hectares of vines in the heart of the Touraine wine region. Located on the Bourgueil vineyard, the winery produces typical…
