The wine region contains three different types of soil; the rocky soil of islets rising out of most recent alluvia, the sandy and gravelly soil of high terraces (old alluvia), and the limestone-rich soil of coasts that lean back onto forestland.[1]
Grapes and wine
Bourgueil wine is made from the Cabernet Francgrape variety, which is locally called Cabernet Breton. Up to 10% of the wine can also be made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Limestone soil produces wines with a dusky red hue, whereas those grown in siliceous soil take on a redcurrant shade. Bourgueil wines have a floral and fruity bouquet, which becomes earthy as the wine ages. These wines age splendidly in the bottle, keeping for up to 20 years. Rosé production is limited, accounting for just 2-5% of total production.