80 ans – bon anniversaire Bourgueil ! + Chinon and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil

 

The eastern limit of the appellation at Saint-Patrice 

Appellation Bourgueil is celebrating its 80th birthday today. A little prematurely it has to be said as the appellation didn't come officially into existence until 31st July 1937. This is the same date as AC Chinon and AC Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, who will also be celebrating their 80th anniversaries.  

As the vendange is likely to be early this year the Bourgueil producers are celebrating a few days earlier, so that they can head off on their holidays and be back in time to pick.... 

 Fête des Vins de Bourgueil in Tours 

 Maison des Vins de Bourgueil

Chinon
Appellation also created on 31st July 1937

Chinon town and château

Statue of Rabelais beside the Vienne

the patron saint of Chinon 

In the Caves Painctes, Chinon: 

a home of
Syndicat des Vins et la confrérie des Entonneurs Rablaisiens.

Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil 
Appellation also created on 31st July 1937.  

Largish format bottle by church in centre 

of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil

Some of the vineyards of Saint-Nicolas

- showing the gravel leading to the clay limestone 

slopes in the distance