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The Grapes

The grape varieties: Loyal to the Malbec

The Cahors vineyard is equidistant (200 km) from the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. In this sheltered position, out of reach of the damp Atlantic air and the autumn rains of the Mediterranean, the late autumn is usually sunny, allowing the grapes to ripen in dry conditions.

The robustness of Cahors is immediately visible in its colour, and it was this that led the English to christen it the "black wine" in the 13th century.

The Malbec grape also gives it great tannic robustness and a rich aroma, although this has more to do with the terroir than the grape. Appellation rules dictate that Cahors must contain at least 70% Malbec. It may be blended with Merlot which takes the edge off its harshness, adding roundness and a welcome softness as well as enriching the bouquet. The Tannat grape, with its excellent ageing properties, strengthens the qualities of the main variety.

The combination and proportions of the complementary grape varieties, as well as the quality of the terroirs, determine the aromatic diversity of these complex wines.