They're Back - The Beautiful Bourgueils of Stephane Guion!

Domaine Guion, in the village of Benais, was started by Stephane's parents in the 1950's and was converted to organic agriculture in 1965. Stephane, who received an oenological degree and then worked in Bordeaux and Chinon, made his first wine in 1990 and has maintained the organic methods of his parents, using only the natural treatments allowed by Ecocert. He plows in the spring and once in early summer, leaving vegetation the rest of the year. Harvesting is by hand and fermentations are with only wild yeasts, with no sulfites added. (There are no sulfites added at bottling, only a minimal amount to protect the wine after the malolactic fermentation). The Cuvée Domaine, from 8 to 30 year-old vines, is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks while the Cuvée Prestige, from 35 to 80 year-old vines, ferments in wooden vats and ages in old barriques.
We had a great visit to the estate on a cloudy day last February, bouncing around Bourgueil in Stephane's truck, contrasting his green, organic vineyards with the bare, herbicided vineyards of most of his neighbors. Back at the winery we were able to taste the 1990 Cuvée Prestige, Stephane's first vintage - "Lovely, earthy, leafy mushroom and red fruit aromas, complex compote of red fruits on the palate, red currant, pepper, mint and fennel, still nice acidity and structure."
We urge you to try the lovely wines of this thoughful and dedicated vigneron and we appreciate his reasonable prices which keep these delicious organic wines affordable to all!
Read More - for tasting notes and complete translations of M. Guions fact sheets...

Domain Guion Bourgueil Cuvèe Domaine 

             The Cuvèe Domain is a Bourgueil coming from 10 to 35 year-old vines on a limestone/clay soil, cultivated according to the rules of organic agriculture (without any products of chemical fabrication) and vinified according to the charter "Nature et Progress", for two generations. This is a wine which expresses the charm of ripe, carefully grown Cabernet Franc; a light-bodied palate with balanced tannins and a velvety finish.

The Color - Garnet with ruby tones, is obtained by a low-temperature fermentation permitting maximal extraction of color, naturally concentrated by the moderate yields associated with organic agriculture.

The Aromas - Very rich, very spicy, with hints of licorice and leather typical of this terroir, due to our refusal to add yeast during vinification, allowing the wild yeasts of the grape to develop and favor the extraction of natural aromas.   

The Palate - Pure raspberry and black cherry, hints of leather with supple tannins, obtained from grapes rich in character from the terroir due to our organic farming which favors the full expression of the vines fruit. The vinification and maceration is short (8 to 10 days) thus avoiding the presence of severe tannins and enhancing the expression of the fruit.       

Serving Suggestions; Best between two and eight years old, at a temperature of 57-59 degrees, with charcuterie, white meats, grilled meats as well as full-flavored fish.

Domain Guion Bourgueil Cuvèe Prestige

          A wine which expresses the typical character of authentic Bourgueil. It's the result of superb material - a selection of old vines (40 to 80 years old) grown on limestone/clay terroir according to the techniques of organic agriculture, for two generations, and vinified with family "savoir faire" observing the rules of Nature et Progres (an international federation of organic agriculture). All this giving the taste of "real wine"; good juice of the grape, vinified without artifice.  

The Color; Deep ruby, typical of Cabernet Franc, the result of good concentration coming from low yields, due both to the age of the vines and to organic farming, as well as by a maximal extraction of color during a long, low-temperature vinification.

The Aromas; One finds smokey compote of red fruits (ripe cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry) and mineral aromas typical of the terroir, explained by the fermentation with wild yeasts as well as by the deep root systems in the limestone slopes - encouraged by organic farming including plowing of the entire vineyard.  

The Palate; Well-structured with firm, supple tannins that soften over the years, with spicey cherry flavors and good concentration due to low yields. There is a three week fermentation, without additives, in wooden vats and then aging for twelve months in small, old oak barrels in our cellar.                 

Serving Suggestions; Our Cuvèe Prestige is best served between 4 to 5 and 10 to 15 years of age at a temperature of 60 to 62 degrees, decanting being advised. Will accompany red meats, game birds in sauce or goat cheeses such as Saint Maure de Touraine.

Tasting Notes (At Domain Guion, February 2009)

2008 Bourgueil Rose; (3 grams of Residual Sugar) Very pretty, light raspberry aromas; dry, clean palate with subtle red-currant fruit, good finish. (Only 12 cases available for the vintage)

2008 Bourgueil Domaine; (From cuve) Super pretty raspberry and red currant fruit, very balanced with good acidity. (Lower yields than in 2007) Lovely wine, available fall 2009.

2007 Bourgueil Domaine; The fruit is a little brighter, light to medium body, well balanced, refreshing, I like this better than the 2006, more purity.

2008 Bourgueil Prestige; (From barrel) Very lovely floral and bright red fruits, good weight, should be excellent

2007 Bourgueil Prestige; (From barrel) Extremely pretty, ripe raspberry fruit, medium bodied, earthy, cherry fruit on the palate. A tad lighter than 2008 perhaps but lovely wine.

2006 Bourgueil Prestige; Heavier, more earthy raspberry and strawberry fruit, nice length. Needs a little time in the bottle but will be very good.