Bourgueil Red "Cornelius"

THE STORY Maître Cornélius is the name of a book written by Honoré de Balzac in 1831, in which the wine of Bourgueil is praised. Balzac is one of the most famous French authors from the first part of the 19th century.  Novelist, playwright, literary critic, art critic, essayist, journalist, and printer, he left behind one of the most impressive series of novels ever written in French.

TERROIR The Cuvée Cornélius 1831 is made from superb hundred years-old vines on tuffeau. The wine is carefully aged in oak barrels. This Bourgueil is full of fruit, with liquorice flavours and a solid structure.

VINIFICATION Traditional winemaking and long (3 weeks) maceration with gentle pigeage (punching down the cap).  

AGEING Aged for 12 months in oak barrels.  

TASTING NOTES Dark colour with purplish highlights.  Nose of spice, caraway seed, black pepper and mint along with stewed fruit, fruit in brandy, and subtle toasty nuances. Warm and generous on the palate with forest floor and violet flavours balanced by rich, characterful tannin. Fresh finish with liquorice overtones. 

FOOD PAIRING Served at cool room temperature (14-16°C) with beef cheek, venison fillet, wild boar casserole, tajines, etc.