Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishmedium
Oaklarge or old casks

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2020: best 2022 to 2026.
vintage2 yrs6 yrs8 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Vinous reviewed 2022202090/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryMedium finish

Aroma: crushed cranberry, violet, wild raspberry, wet earth

Palate: red cherry, crunchy fruit, low tannin, wild herb finish

The Bretons' zero-added-sulfite Cabernet Franc, a pioneering natural-wine cuvee since 1996. Vibrant, crunchy red fruit and wild-herb lift, ideally drunk young and slightly chilled.

What it pairs with

  • Charcuterie board with cornichons
    Low sulfite, low tannin red and cured-meat fat are a textbook natural-wine pairing.
  • Grilled mushrooms on sourdough
    Earthy fungi mirror the wine's wet-earth register.
  • Roast chicken with shallots
    Chicken and a sulfite-free red are a forgiving combination on a midweek table.

History

Nuits d'Ivresse was the Bretons' first zero-added-sulfite cuvee, helping to define the modern Loire natural-wine movement. Made from younger gravel-terrace parcels.

  1. 1996: First vintage with no added sulfites

Facts

Producer
Domaine Catherine et Pierre Breton · visiting guide
Grapes
Cabernet Franc (100%)
Classification
Bourgueil AOC
Oak
10 to 12 months in tank and old oak, no sulfites added
ABV
12.5%
Price
EUR 22 to 32 at retail
Drinking window
2 to 6 from vintage
First vintage
1996
Biodynamic
Biodynamic Practicing
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Nuits d'Ivresse

What does Nuits d'Ivresse taste like?

Crushed cranberry, violet, wild raspberry and wet earth on the nose; red cherry, crunchy fruit, low tannin and a wild herb finish on the palate. Medium-bodied with low tannins and high acidity.

When should I drink Nuits d'Ivresse?

Drink between 2 and 6 years from vintage, lightly chilled to 13 to 14C. The zero-sulfite style is best in its first three years.

What food pairs with Nuits d'Ivresse?

Charcuterie board with cornichons, grilled mushrooms on sourdough, and roast chicken with shallots are all strong natural-wine pairings.

Is Nuits d'Ivresse vegan?

Yes. The Bretons work without animal-derived fining agents and add no sulfites to this cuvee.

Tags

biodynamic cabernet franc dry hidden gem high acid low tannin medium body medium term mood easygoing mood fruity mood funky occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world organic pairs with charcuterie pairs with mushroom pairs with poultry price trade up still red vegan

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