What I Learned

The Appellation Cahors Controlee is a small appellation in the Lot Department, in southwest France.  Specifically, it is in the Lot River Valley, a sinuous river valley leading to the Garonne River further west. Located mostly west of the small town of Cahors, the vineyards, like Cahors, are located on peninsulas created by the Lot’s often extreme bends, which over the millennia, deposited alluvial soils. Amounting to less than 5000 hectares in total, the vineyards are devoted to only three varietals.

This is a red varietal only appellation.  The main varietal is a grape of many names. Its most well-known name nowadays (thanks in part to its Argentinian success) is Malbec. In several regions of France, it may be known as Cot (with slight spelling variations), especially in the middle Loire, and in and around the Entre-Deux-Mers area of the Bordeaux wine region. In its home region, Quercy, it is also known as Auxerrois. (Not to be confused with the white varietal known as Auxerrois.)

All Appellation Cahors wine must contain at minimum 70 percent Malbec. The remaining 30 percent may be either Tannat and/or Merlot. Merlot, of course is a well-known international grape. Tannat, on the other hand, is well-known locally, believed to have originated somewhere in southwest France. Like Merlot and Malbec, it is a grape with very dark berries, and it has strong tannins, that tend to mellow with age.

Cahors wines have only fairly recently experienced a real rise in export. If you should find a bottle, expect the wine to have a deep, dark, almost purple black color. This is why is it sometimes known as the “black” wine of Cahors. On the palate, expect deep flavors, and tannins. But above all, try several, and don’t be surprised to find some delicious wines, with a powerful but smooth, balanced taste.

 

What I Tasted

2018 Malbec, Elegance, Appellation Cahors Protegee (AOP Cahors), Domaine du Theron (Albas): A dry red wine with very dark purple-red color, with licorice nose, red berry and licorice flavors, smooth tannins and well-balanced overall.

2016 Malbec, Chateau de Cayx, AOP Cahors, Chateau de Cayx (Caix): A dry red wine with very dark purple color; a tobacco, spice, licorice nose, with blackberry, floral and vanilla flavors; lots of depth, a long finish, very smooth tannins.

2016 Malbec, Chateau Lagrezette, AOP Cahors, Chateau Lagrezette (Caillac): A dry red wine with dark purple -red color; an earthy, red and blackberries nose, with mushroom, berry and slight spice flavors; rather astringent on the palate

2014 Malbec, Chateau Lagrezette, AOP Cahors, Chateau Lagrezette: A dry red wine with dark purple-red color; nose of spice and red berries, flavors of raspberry and cherry; smooth tannins and balanced.

2015 Malbec, Paragon, AOP Cahors, Chateau Lagrezette (Caillac): A dry red wine (100% Malbec) with very dark purple color, a blackberry and spice nose, with flavors of the same

2015 Malbec, Le Pigeonnier, AOP Cahors, Chateau Lagrezette: A dry red wine (100% Malbec) with very dark red-purple color; oak, and blackberry nose, with spice, blackberries and black currant flavors, with a hint of earthiness; smooth tannins overall.