Winery: Domaine Des Ouches
Region: Loire (Loire Valley)
Locale: Ingrandes de Touraine, Bourgueil
Appellation:  Bourgueil
Designation: AOC

In a few words: Full-bodied and ripe.

Site: Coteau des Ouches is primarily limestone and clay. Drainage is not as good as Clos Boireaux. Organic viticulture.

Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc

Dryer vintages tend to be more successful in this plot versus Clos Boireaux, wetter vintages less so, because the soils really hang onto water. The winery grows a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon for their Grande Reserve, and in vintages where no Grande Reserve is produced, that Cabernet will find its way into Coteau des Ouches. Interestingly, Denis says they are allowed to plant up to 10% of their vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon (very difficult to ripen in the Loire valley) but may actually use 100% Cabernet in a given cuvée.

Fermentation and Aging: About a month on the skins with punch downs and pumping over. 12-15 months in 2-6 year old barrique.

Notes: Deep color with a purplish hue. Powerful aromas of sour cherry and blackberry with sublte hints of cocoa bean. The palate is full-bodied with powerful tannins that will enhance your stewed dishes such as coq au vin (stewed chicken cooked in wine) and matelote (seafood stew).