THE Discover & JEFFERSON CLUB - June 2020
This month, for Just A Taste’s Discover and Jefferson Clubs, we’re offering beautiful Cabernet Franc from Catherine and Pierre Breton in Bourgueil, France: Nuits d’Ivresse for the Discover Club and Les Perrieres for the Jefferson Club.
the discover club
Catherine et Pierre Breton Bourgueil “nuits d’ivresse” 2017
Producer: Catherine and Pierre Breton
Winemaker: Pierre Breton
Region: FRA, Loire Valley, Bourgueil
Grape Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc (Breton)
Viticulture: clay, limestone; certified organic, practicing biodynamics; 50+ year vines from select plots
Method: 12 months in barrique; no sulfur addtions; made in homage to Jules Chauvet
Serving Suggestions: decant 30-60 minutes; serve at 60-65F
Age: drink immediately or store in proper conditions
Nose: blackberry, smoke, spice, forest floor
Palate: medium-bodied with dusty tannins
Finish: velvety, chalky minerality with freshness and lingering fruit
the jefferson club
Catherine et Pierre Breton Bourgueil “Les Perrieres” 2014
Producer: Catherine and Pierre Breton
Winemaker: Pierre Breton
Region: FRA, Loire Valley, Bourgueil
Grape Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc (Breton)
Viticulture: silicieous clay, limestone; certified organic, practicing biodynamics; 50+ year vines from Les Perrieres
Method: 24 months in 500L new and used French Oak; minimal sulfur additions
Serving Suggestions: decant 30-60 minutes; serve at 60-65F
Age: store in cool, dark conditions; drink 2020-2065+
Nose: blackberry, smoke, spice, forest floor
Palate: medium-bodied with dusty tannins
Finish: velvety, chalky minerality with freshness and lingering fruit
Why I am Excited about this Wine
Very rarely does a wine express as much local character as the wines of Catherine and Pierre. I first had the chance to try the Breton’s wines while visiting their tasting room in Bourgueil by a happy accident. I was at a neighboring estate, Domaine de la Chevalerie, finishing a tasting with the winemaker Stefanie, when she asked if I would like to visit her friend Catherine. I had heard of their wines and wanted the chance to try them; however, Catherine doesn’t speak much English. Still, Stefanie said she would call. Lo and behold, Master Sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier was giving a tasting to a group from America, “But you must go now! GO!” And Stefanie pushed me out the door before I could finish purchasing any bottles. This carefree, complete commitment to a happy, joyous lifestyle is present across the Loire, and no other wines capture this attitude quite like those of the Bretons.