Bourgueil, Red, Domaine Matabrune

THE WINES from this estate are strongly influenced by traditional production methods, and are ambassadors for their appellations.

VINIFICATION Sandy terroir : limited extraction in order to obtain silky tannin. Pre-fermentation cold maceration (3 days) and short vatting. The wine is run off halfway through fermentation to obtain maximum fruit, good colour, and smooth tannin.

Clay-limestone terroir : Repeated pumping over and pigeage (punching down the cap) are done at the beginning of fermentation, then less often towards the end. Long vatting period (20 days) extracts high-quality tannin, richness, and structure, while retaining roundness and a sweet sensation.

MATURING : Wines are then blended and aged for 12 months with micro-oxygenation. Ageing potential : 5 to 10 years

TERROIR Soil : The present owners represent the eighth generation of the same family to own and manage this 25-hectare estate located in three communes: Bourgueil, Benais et Restigné. 79% of the vines grow on clay-limestone slopes with perfect east/west sun exposure, while the remaining 30% grow on light gravel and sand soil. The blend of wines from these two distinct terroirs reflects the unique personality of this large estate in that each vintage. The vineyard is managed according to the principles of sustainable

VARIETAL Cabernet franc (100%) Age of the vines: 40 years-old (average)

TASTING NOTES : Fine, complex, generous wine with good ageing potential. Intense red colour with deep purple highlights. Elegant nose of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry) red fruit (raspberry), and spice (black pepper, vanilla). Rich, full-bodied, and well-balanced on the palate with soft tannin. Long black fruit aftertaste. Food & Wine Pairing: Best enjoyed slightly chilled (12-14°C) with roasts, game, beef, and soft-ripened cheeses.