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Catherine and Pierre Breton are leading a new movement of organic viticulture in the Bourgueil appellation of the Loire Valley.  I’ve had a few of their wines and have been impressed each time.  Their sparkling wine made from Chenin Blanc is one not to be missed.

I came across Domaine Breton wines at Kermit Lynch, one of my favorite wine shops in Berkeley.  The 2009 Domaine Breton Bourgueil Cabernet Franc demonstrates why this producer is gaining popularity in trendy shops and restaurants in Paris.  There was some distinct chalkiness in this wine as there is in wines grown in Limestone soils.  Limestone is prevalent in the Loire valley, which is nice.

It’s a red and it’s 2009 vintage.  Do the math and you’ll see this wine was harvested about 10 months ago, give or take.  Although young, this Cab Franc was singing like a bird right out of the bottle.  Rich, full and well made.  Here’s a few notes:

APPEARANCE

Color: Clear
Brightness: Star Bright
Red Color: Garnet
Rim Variation: yes, pink at the edges
Viscosity: Medium

NOSE

Condition: Clean
Intensity: Medium Plus
Aroma: Youthful
Fruit: Red fruits, black cherry, quince
Earth/Chalk/Forest

PALATE

Sweetness: Dry
Body: Medium
Fruit: Black cherry, stewed plum, cola, olive
Earth/Chalk/Forest
Alcohol: Medium Minus
Acidity: Medium
Complexity: Medium Plus
Finish: Medium

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• 2007 Vouvray “Èpaulé Jeté”, Catherine & Pierre Breton, Loire (blindtasting.twoday.net)
• Cabernet Franc from the Loire: Exceptional Values from Bourgueil, St. Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Chinon, Saumur and Anjou (i-winereview.blogspot.com)
• Women Winemakers (wineterroirs.com)