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Joël Taluau

Joël Taluau is regarded by many as the most reliable producer of benchmark St Nicolas de Bourgueil. This is a long established domaine, the elderly Taluau now being joined by his son-in-law Thierry Foltzenlogel whose name can also be found on the label (although in very small print!). Together they work about 26 hectares of vines in the St Nicolas appellation, the fruit being largely harvested by machine, sadly, although subsequent fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel is one innovation likely to improve the quality of the resulting wines.

There are several cuvées produced, mostly from the typical argilo-silico-limestone terroirs of St Nicolas de Bourgueil, starting with a Jeunes Vignes wine from the most recently planted vines which are of less than 35 years of age. There is a straight domaine bottling, Cuvée de Domaine, made from 20-40 year-old vines, and then the flagship Vieilles Vignes cuvée, which originates from a plot of vines planted in 1934. For these three original cuvées Taluau, who was the first to start domaine-bottling in the appellation, eschews wood altogether, preferring to bottle the young vines cuvée direct from the steel of the fermentation tank, although the better wines are rested for a short period first. The aim is to capture the fruit and vivacity of the wines, and to this effect they see only a light fining, and no filtration. In more recent times, however, Taluau and Foltzenlogel have expanded their portfolio, adding a plot of vines in Vau Jaumier, a 5 hectare calcareous plot purchased in 1991, and there is also L'Insoumise, another old vine cuvée, but this one sees up to twelve months barrel ageing, in used oak (up to three vintages old). There is also a Bourgueil, made from a 3 hectare plot. (14/3/06, updated 21/6/06)

Contact details:
Address: Chevrette, 37140 St Nicolas de Bourgueil
Telephone: +33 (0) 2 47 97 78 79
Fax: +33 (0) 2 47 97 95 60
Internet: www.vins-taluau-foltzenlogel.com

Joël Taluau - Tasting Notes

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Taluau et Foltzenlogel St Nicolas de Bourgueil Le Vau Jaumier 2007: Clay, flint and limestone soils, two-day maceration, fermentation 27ºC, micro-oxygenation, matured in stainless steel. Bright and vibrant fruit here, juicy and fresh. Gently textured, fairly supple, fresh and chalky on the palate. It lacks depth but it has plenty of forward fruit with a firm, peppery, tomato-infused finish. A touch herbal too. Nice wine. This wine was tasted at a Project Cabernet Franc tasting. 14.5+/20 (October 2008)

Joël Taluau St Nicolas de Bourgueil Jeune Vignes 2003: A very good depth of colour, and a lovely nose, bursting with smoky raspberry and blackberry fruit, cut through with a firm, stony, mineral aroma. A warm ripe texture on entry, with a fine supporting backbone of tannin. Appealing fruit profile as on the nose, with a pleasingly bitter, stony, wet pebble character as well. There are a few unresolved but gentle tannins swimming around the finish, so I think this very enjoyable wine will improve in the short term. Remarkably good, especially for an entry-level, young vines cuvée. 17+/20 (March 2006) Label

Joël Taluau St Nicolas de Bourgueil Cuvée du Domaine 2000: A fine colour here, a glossy cherry red of moderate depth, showing the very barest hints of early maturity. Lovely, mature, expressive nose, with notes of bay leaf and green peppercorn alongside some meaty, stony black fruit. Fine, chalky texture on entry, lovely acid structure, very clean and pebbly through the midpalate, leading to a little bite of tannin on the finish. Quite a reserved, minerally yet juicy finish. Should improve over the next two or three years at least, but is lovely to drink now. Very good indeed. 17.5+/20 (March 2006) Label