Domaine du Bel Air – Family Tradition and Loire Purity in Bourgueil
Family Heritage for 5 Generations
The Domaine du Bel Air, located in Benais, Bourgueil, is a historic property passed down for five generations. Today, it is Frédéric Mabileau and his sons who continue the family work. The estate is renowned for its characterful and long-aging Cabernet Francs.
Exceptional Terroirs
The vineyard spans 18 hectares divided between gravel and tuffeau, covering several key sectors of the appellation:
Les Vingt Lieux-Dits
Les Quartiers
Clos Nouveau
The soils vary between sandy-loam gravel on a limestone base and yellow tuffeau, giving each cuvée a distinct profile.
Rigorous Organic Viticulture
The estate has been certified Organic Agriculture for several years. The viticulture is environmentally friendly, with plowing, manual harvesting, and careful sorting.
Precise Vinification & Patient Aging
Vinifications are carried out in stainless steel and wooden vats, with long macerations depending on the parcels. Aging takes place in oak barrels or vats depending on the cuvées, sometimes up to 24 months for the greatest ones. The goal is always to achieve pure, precise wines without excessive oak masking.
Signature Style: Elegance, Complexity & Aging Potential
The wines of Domaine du Bel Air combine the aromatic purity of Cabernet Franc (notes of red fruits, graphite, spices) with a fine and silky structure, refreshing acidity, and well-integrated tannins. The best cuvées can age 15 to 20 years without weakening.
Flagship Cuvées
Les Vingt Lieux-Dits: parcel blend, finesse, fresh red fruits.
Les Quartiers: on tuffeau, more concentrated, noble tannins, great aging.
Clos Nouveau: specific terroir, power and length, gastronomic wine.
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