I first heard of Domaine du Rochouard when it showed up in Decanter magazine a while back with five out of five stars (5****) for one of its wines.

I was on the phone with proprietor Dominique Duveau shortly after to request a rendezvous. He was reluctant since he is such a small producer, and fearful of getting his production gobbled up by some big importer who cares more about quantity than quality, but after I explained that small, high quality independent producers are the only growers we deal with, he loosened up.

The consensus is that the 2009 vintage is the best vintage the Loire has enjoyed since the remarkable 2005. This is a beautifully ripe vintage that will last and evolve but I prefer to drink them young when the fruit shows best and the vibrant acidiy makes them a great match with any full flavored foods (pizza anyone?).

You probably know by now that if you like to drink wine often, as I do, the Loire has some of the best wine values in France. Among the reds the top three appellations are Chinon (more stucture), Saumur Champigny (more fruit forward) and, a favorite of mine, Bourgeuil (maybe a combination of the two) which is a perennial Paris Bistro favorite. You will find it everywhere in the capital by the glass, by the caraffe, and the best ones from family domaines like Domaine du Rochouard by the bottle.

Bourgueil, which is not far from Chinon, is part of the Touraine. It’s north of the Loire River, west of Tours. The climate is mild and you will run into the odd palm tree. This delicious and aromatic red is 100% Cabernet Franc.

Here’s what Guide Hachette says about the wines of Domaine du Rochouard:

“One appreciates the almost violet robe of the wine, its nose expressive of red and black fruits, embellished with some licorice, but above all, the abundant material coming from a ripe harvest. The tannins put their two cents in, but not too strongly and the final taste returns to that licorice.” – Guide Hachette

It’s always a relief to show up at a new vineyard and see an impeccable operation. You could do open heart surgery in the vat room and that usually says something about the care taken with the wine – both in the vineyard and in the winemaking.

The Domaine was started in 1969, Dominique Duveau joined his father in 1995, and in 2007 Dominique’s brother joined him upon their father’s retirement.

Cuvée Coteau comes from a small special two-hectare plot of limestone, clay, and sandy soil. The grapes are macerated in the tank for about three weeks. Dominique does not age Coteau in wood. It is bottled after 12 months.

Cuvée Coteau is a full-bodied, rich wine with notes of dark currants and those uniquely expressive aromatics that come only from a wine that’s 100% Cabernet Franc. I tasted ripe, roasted cherries. Bourgueil! You will want this in your glass. Cynthia Hurley

Important We stand behind all Cynthia’s wines and guarantee that you will find them pleasing and delicious. You can return any of her wines for any reason if their style does not meet your expectations.