Divine

Loire

In our Magazine

Bourgueil

Bourgueil conjures the scent of damp cellars and wild violets, casting its spell since the early 11th century when Saint-Benoît held vines here under the watch of Fontevraud’s abbey. Nestled gently between the Loire and the forested ridges of the Touraine, this quiet enclave has long been more than a winegrowing village—it is a whisper of monastic history and river-shaped patience. In 1937, its wines were among the first to be officially recognized under the French AOC system, a testament to their enduring presence in the national palate. Some may imagine Bourgueil as simply “classic” Loire red—easy, rustic, forgettable—but that would miss its restrained depth and quiet structure, especially when cultivated on the limestone slopes of Benais or Restigné. Made predominantly from Cabernet Franc, often without blending, Bourgueil balances bright forest fruits with leafy freshness, gaining savory complexity with age. Most bottlings see minimal oak, preserving that spirited Loire tension so prized by purists. For those who linger, an early morning walk through mist-laced vineyards in late September offers the best light—both for the landscape and for understanding the wine. Continue the exploration with our other features on the surprising characters and timeless landscapes of the Loire Valley.