AOC Wine Cahors

While the wines of the South-West have long remained in the shadow of their Bordeaux cousin, one vineyard has stood out since the Middle Ages: Cahors. Indeed, Cahors is one of the oldest vineyards in France, long renowned for its "black wine". However, rest assured, Cahors wines are no longer as robust as in the past, and are now accessible in their youth. Discover through this guide, everything you need to know about the history, the terroir, and the grape variety of the wines of the AOC Cahors appellation. Also follow our advice for creating the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of AOC Cahors red wine.

What is the history of the Cahors vineyard?

The Cahors appellation is an emblematic appellation of the South-West vineyard. Indeed, in Cahors, the cultivation of vines and the wine trade began in Antiquity under the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, the “black wine”, as it was called, conquered the finest tables in Europe, to the point of being tasted at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, King of England. This allowed Cahors wines to flourish in England despite the tough competition and privileges granted to Bordeaux wines. Highly appreciated by King Francis I during the Renaissance, Cahors wine developed in the same way as its emblematic grape variety: Malbec. This democratized Malbec in other vineyards, notably in the Loire and as far as the vineyard of the Château de Fontainebleau! Subsequently, after having suffered the full force of the phylloxera crisis and the winter of 1956 (almost all the vines were destroyed), the vineyard experienced a slow resurrection. Today, driven by talented winegrowers and taking advantage of the fashion for Argentinian Malbecs, the AOC Cahors appellation has finally found the place it deserves.

Climate and terroir of the AOC Cahors appellation

Climate: The climate of the AOC Cahors appellation benefits from a triple influence conducive to the cultivation of vines. Indeed, the Cahors vineyard is located at an equal distance from the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees. With the influence of the Massif Central, the Atlantic and the Lot, the climate of Cahors is halfway between a temperate oceanic climate and a mountain climate.

Soils: The AOC Cahors terroir is divided into two very distinct terroirs: the Lot Valley (mainly composed of sandy-silty alluvium) and the Causses (mainly composed of limestone soils).

The main grape varieties of the AOC Cahors appellation

The AOC Cahors appellation produces only red wine dominated by Malbec, also called Côt or Auxerrois (70% of the grape varieties). When Malbec is not vinified as a single variety, Merlot and Tannat can also be used in the blend.

Malbec (Côt): flagship red grape variety of the Cahors vineyard where it originates. It is characterized by complex aromas of prune, blueberry, blackcurrant evolving towards notes of undergrowth and truffles after a few years of aging. While Malbec can produce supple and fruity wines, in the wines of the AOC Cahors, Malbec produces more structured wines that are suitable for aging. Today, Malbec is one of the most renowned red grape varieties in Latin America, mainly in the Mendoza region of Argentina.

What is the style of Cahors wines?

Eye: In its youth, a Cahors wine is characterized by a purplish color with very dark, almost black highlights. After a few years in the cellar, the color takes on garnet tones with brown highlights.

Nose: an AOC Cahors red wine reveals a very complex palette of aromas of red and black fruits (prune, blackberry and blackcurrant), spices (cinnamon, pepper), and roasted notes (cocoa, coffee). Over time, the bouquet becomes more complex and develops notes of jam, undergrowth and truffle.

Palate: Traditionally, AOC Cahors red wines are known for being powerful and tannic wines that should ideally be aged for 3 to 5 years to fully appreciate them. However, many winemakers now also offer more supple vintages that are pleasant to drink in their youth. Serving temperature: 15°-17°

Aging potential: 5 to 10 years (or more for a good château and vintage)

The best food and wine pairings with Cahors

Here are some ideas for dishes to accompany a red wine from a nice château in AOC Cahors red:

• Cassoulet
• Duck confit and pan-fried mushrooms
• Thrush pâté
• Grilled duck breast
• Rib of beef with Périgueux truffle sauce
• Lamb confit with beans
• Duck parmentier
• Cheeses (Bleu d’Auvergne or Roquefort)

Has this guide made you want to form your own opinion by tasting a red wine from an AOP Cahors château with the best value for money? On Avenue des vins, each estate is selected with the greatest care and our wines are available for delivery