Pierre Borel Bourgueil Clos de la Pavée: Loire Red Buying Guide
By Alcohol Delivery Los Angeles | Sipsy: LA's Best Alcohol Service | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Buying Guides
A practical guide to Pierre Borel Bourgueil Clos de la Pavée, the gravel-soil Cabernet Franc from the Loire. Learn who it suits, how to serve it, and what to pair.
Quick answer
Buy Pierre Borel Bourgueil Clos de la Pavée if you want a structured, gravel-grown Cabernet Franc from a single enclosed vineyard in the Loire Valley. Serve it slightly cool with roasted poultry or mushroom dishes, and skip it if you prefer soft, fruit-forward reds.
Why the gravel soil changes the wine
The Clos de la Pavée is a true clos, a historically enclosed vineyard, planted on deep gravel rather than the clay and limestone common in the surrounding village. Gravel drains quickly and warms early, which tends to give Cabernet Franc a firmer frame and a more savory, mineral profile than richer clay-based sites. That makes this a red to treat more like a structured dinner wine than a casual pour.
The trade-off: structure over easy fruit
Old-vine Cabernet Franc from a two-hectare parcel can deliver concentration and freshness, but it is not a soft, jammy red. If your usual choice is a ripe New World Cabernet or a smooth Merlot, the leaner, herbal edge of Bourgueil may feel austere at first. Decanting for 30–45 minutes and serving at cellar temperature rather than warm room temperature softens that edge without losing the wine's energy.
When to open it
The 2022 vintage is young enough to benefit from air, so open it an hour before a meal or decant it while you cook. It has the substance to handle roasted meats and braises, but it will also work with a simple weeknight dinner if you give it time to breathe. There is no need to wait years, though a few more bottles in the cellar will not hurt if you have the patience.
Decision rules for buying and serving
- Choose this bottle if…: You enjoy savory, structured reds with herbal and mineral notes, or you want a Cabernet Franc that shows a specific vineyard site rather than a generic blend.
- Skip it if…: You prefer soft, fruit-forward reds with low tannin, or you need a crowd-pleasing party wine that appeals to drinkers who avoid herbal flavors.
- How to serve it: Serve at about 60–65°F (15–18°C), slightly below room temperature. Decant for 30–45 minutes if you are opening it now, or pour into glasses and wait while you finish cooking.
- What to pair it with: Roasted chicken or duck, pork with herbs, mushroom risotto, lentil stew, or a mild goat cheese. Avoid very spicy or sweet dishes, which can make the wine taste leaner.
- How much to buy: Buy one bottle to try first if you are new to Bourgueil. If you already like Loire Cabernet Franc, buy two or three so you can compare a bottle now with one after a year in the cellar. Store bottles on their side in a cool, dark place; a wine fridge at 55°F is ideal.
Product facts
- Pierre Borel Bourgueil Clos de la Pavée - 750ml: Pierre Borel Bourgueil Clos de la Pavée 2022 comes from a two-hectare parcel of old-vine Cabernet Franc in the heart of the Bourgueil appellation. Small-parcel, old-vine fruit usually means limited production and a wine with more depth than a generic appellation bottling.
Pierre Borel Bourgueil Clos de la Pavée - 750ml - Pierre Borel Bourgueil Clos de la Pavée - 750ml: The Clos de la Pavée is a true clos planted in deep gravel soils, distinct from the clay and limestone found across the surrounding village. Gravel sites tend to give Cabernet Franc a firmer, more mineral structure, so expect a savory rather than plush red.
- Pierre Borel Bourgueil Clos de la Pavée - 750ml: The catalog price is USD 25.54 against a comparison price of USD 34.99. At this price it sits in everyday special-occasion territory, making it a low-risk way to explore Loire Cabernet Franc.
Who this wine is for
Best for
- Drinkers who like savory, structured Cabernet Franc and Loire reds
- Hosts serving roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, or a cheese course
- Buyers curious about single-vineyard wines at an accessible price
Not for
- Anyone who prefers soft, jammy, low-tannin reds
- Cocktail-style gatherings where wine will be drunk without food
- Buyers looking for a sweet or fortified wine
