The Bruneau-Dupuy estate has a long family history. Sylvain and his wife took over the estate in 1998. The winemaker thus “inherited” well-established vineyards from his parents and grandparents (on both his father’s and mother’s sides). He made the switch to organic farming in 2006 and began the “administrative” conversion process in 2013. They produce only St. Nicolas de Bourgueil, 100% Cabernet Franc. Two-thirds of the terroir consists of sand and gravel, and one-third of clay-limestone slopes. “We make the kind of wine we like, while trying to appeal to as many people as possible. I don’t necessarily have a guru or mentor: I’m more of a self-taught winemaker, though I do listen to my family and friends.” For Sylvain, working the soil is a bit like working with wood: there’s a noble aspect to it: “that’s why the word ‘terroir’ takes