Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil AOC is a red wine from the single commune of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil in the west of the Touraine region of France. The Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil AOC marks the border between Touraine and Anjou on the right (north) bank of the Loire, between, Chinon and Saumur. The commune of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil detached itself from the (parish of) Bourgueil in the 18th-century after which the Bourgueil AOC is named. Most wine commentators suggest there is little or no difference between a Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil and a Bourgueil tout court, except the latter is generally lighter and sold at a lower price. In the words of Richard Kelley MW (Richards Walford Loire Report on the 2006 vintage) ‘the French appear to believe that the saintly addition to the name of Bourgueil makes it, perhaps by divine intervention, a better wine. In reality, the low lying, sandier soils of Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil are generally only good for making wines for early drinking – the Beaujolais Villages of the Loire – whilst Bourgueil AOC provides the Crus, worthy of ageing.

Communes (1): Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil.

Vineyard area & wine production: 2002 59,232hl of red (Guide Hachette des Vins 2004, p.939).

Wineries

Certified Biodynamic: Domaine Amirault Clos des Quarterons.