Essential references
Domaine Frédéric Mabileau
- Les Rouillères: the beginning of the estate: Frédéric and Nathalie began with three hectares leased from her parents, before taking over any of his father’s vines. That first plot gave its name to Les Rouillères. Its Cabernet Franc is grown on sandy gravel and, in the estate’s current cellar approach, spends eight months in tank. The wine is described as light and fruit-led, with fine tannins.
- Les Racines: another family plot: The vines of Les Racines were planted by Frédéric’s grandfather. This Bourgueil Cabernet Franc comes from loamy gravel and spends twenty-four months in amphora. The estate describes a fuller structure and potential to develop for around ten years. The two cuvées preserve the family origins of their plots while following different ageing paths.
- A shared grape, distinct élevage: Both wines ferment with naturally occurring yeasts. The estate recommends 14–16°C for service, with Les Rouillères suited to earlier drinking and Les Racines benefiting from an hour of opening before serving.