At a glance

Producer

Clos du Tue-Boeuf

Region

Loire Valley, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60

Tasting profile

Bright red fruits, herbaceous notes, graphite, and mineral earthiness with a slightly leafy character

Evolution: Fruit will mellow, earthiness and minerality will become more integrated; tertiary aromas of forest floor and truffle may develop

At peak: Complex bouquet combining savory earth tones with ripe fruit and subtle spice

Structure

Acidity

High, vibrant Loire typical acidity

Tannins

Medium to firm, fine-grained

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

15+ years with proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2040

Optimal window

2027 to 2040

Current status

Wine is young but showing promise

Current condition

Fresh, tannic, with marked mineral and earthy notes

Clos du Tue-Boeuf is a highly regarded Loire producer known for traditional organic viticulture and Cabernet Franc expressing pure terroir. The 2022 vintage benefits from a good growing season, producing structured wines that will evolve gracefully for over a decade.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, grilled game meats, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses like Tomme or Morbier

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (45 minutes to 1 hour) — To soften tannins and open up aromatic complexity

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Clos du Tue-Boeuf farms organically and biodynamically without synthetic herbicides or pesticides. Use of cover crops, compost, and natural preparations supports soil health.

The estate has embedded sustainability throughout vineyard and cellar operations including water conservation, no chemical pesticides, hand harvesting, and use of natural cork closures that support biodiversity.