Justine Baudry - Le Clos des Religieuses - The Sacred Fire 2024
Justine Baudry develops at Le Clos des Religieuses a personal and committed vision of Touraine, from Montrichard Val de Cher. Coming from a Loire Valley wine universe, she chose to settle in this territory to write a new page, both rooted and free. The estate, created in 2024, extends over 7 hectares of vines in organic conversion, in an environment marked by the Cher valley, the hillsides, and the diversity of soils. This young property carries a strong identity, built around a sensitive approach to the living, the terroir, and the expression of Loire Valley grape varieties. The Sacred Fire 2024 translates this founding energy, that of a winemaker driven by passion, precision, and the desire to create sincere wines. In AOC Touraine, this red cuvée highlights the Côt, a historic Loire grape variety, in an expression that is both dense, fresh, and deeply authentic.
The cuvée Justine Baudry Le Clos des Religieuses The Sacred Fire 2024 is made from 100% Côt, the Loire name for Malbec. The grapes come from sandy soils on clay, a combination that favors both the suppleness of the fruit, freshness on the palate, and a well-anchored structure. This terroir is particularly suitable for an expression of Côt capable of combining aromatic intensity and balance, without excess heaviness. The name The Sacred Fire evokes the inner energy, passion, and strength that connect the winemaker, the vine, and the wine. The 12-month aging in old barrels brings depth, breadth, and better integration of tannins, without seeking a dominant woody imprint. The 2024 vintage presents itself in a confident style, built around black fruit, violet, and a well-preserved natural freshness. This cuvée occupies an expressive place in the range of Le Clos des Religieuses, as a red of character, structured but accessible.
On tasting, The Sacred Fire 2024 reveals an intense nose of violet, blackberry, blackcurrant, and ripe black fruits. A slightly spicy nuance accompanies the whole, reinforcing the deep and Loire character of the Côt. On the palate, the matter is dense, assertive, and balanced, with a beautiful sensation of volume. The tannins are present but harmonious, supported by aging in old barrels which softens the texture and gives more relief to the wine. The natural freshness maintains a beautiful energy and avoids any heaviness, despite the depth of the grape variety. The finish is persistent, marked by black fruit, flower, and an earthy touch that recalls the wine’s anchoring in its soil. This red Touraine will pair very well with duck breast, a rib steak, lamb shoulder, roasted vegetables, mushroom dishes, or a cheese with character.
Grape variety: 100% Côt
