St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Cuvée Carine 2010
Like many areas of Francein 2010, vineyards in the Loiregot off to a late start following a very cold winter that pushed budbreak back into the second week of April. Spring brought normal rainfall followed by a period of dry weather from May through to August. Welcome rains fell at the beginning of September, assisting the vines. Picking at La Jarnoterie began the first week of October in ideal conditions and finished at the end of the month.
Your exclusive Cuvée Carine 2010 comes from vines up to 60 years of age, grown on a south-facing slope of sand, limestone and clay. It is deep purple in colour with the classic, tell-tale nose of Cabernet Franc – warm earth, raspberry and chocolate with a touch of spice from the four-month ageing in chestnut barriques. The palate has a leafy freshness with blackcurrant and raspberry fruit tinged with tobacco leaf and a core of minerality.
It is attractive to drink now but will evolve over the next five to ten years. It can be drunk in summer lightly chilled on its own, or as an accompaniment to a diverse range of dishes. Do try it with grilled salmon or bluefin tuna steaks, Sunday roast lamb or, for those with a strong constitution, boudin noir. As it ages, try it with something gamey such as roasted guinea fowl with a girolle mushroom sauce.