Cahors and its wines

The Cahors is a historic winegrowing region of South-West France, in the valley of the river Lot, in the department of the same name (Occitanie).
It is famous as the original home of Malbec (here called Côt o Auxerrois), a grape variety that here expresses its most authentic soul in red wines dark, powerful and mineral.

The area

Viticulture in the area goes back to Roman times and was highly prized in the Middle Ages, so much so that the wines of Cahors were exported to England and Russia. Today the region is known for the quality and longevity of its reds, capable of competing with the great French wines.

The terroir is made up of three river terraces and by the the limestone plateau of the Causse, with soils of clay, sand and limestone. The climate is oceanic with Mediterranean influences, characterised by hot, dry summers and cool nights that preserve acidity and elegance.

What is the Cahors wine region?

The AOC Cahors, recognised in 1971, covers red wines only:

• Minimum 70% Malbec (Côt / Auxerrois)

• Maximum 30% Merlot and/or Tannat

White and rosé versions are not allowed under the AOC (they are made only as IGP).

Characteristics of Cahors Wines

Colour

• Very dark red, almost inky, evolving towards garnet

Aromas

• Ripe black fruit, blackberry, prune

• Spicy notes of black pepper, cocoa and liquorice

• Evolution towards tobacco, leather, graphite

Palate

• Structured and Tannic, with plenty of body

• Long-lived, able to age for decades

• Mineral and Persistent, thanks to the limestone soils

Typical Grape Varieties of the Cahors region

• Malbec (Côt / Auxerrois)

• Merlot

• Tannat

Why choose a wine from Cahors?

• To discover thethe historic home of Malbec

• For those who love wines powerful, spicy and long-lived

• For pairings with red meat, lamb, game, aged cheeses

• For an experience that combines history and genuine terroir