Overview
French Malbec is a completely different wine from Argentine — harder, more austere, more tannic. The limestone causse plateau and river terraces of the Lot Valley produce Malbec of almost impenetrable colour and formidable structure. Great Cahors (Château du Cèdre, Clos Triguedina) can age 20–30 years to extraordinary complexity.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Deep purple
- Nose
- Blackberry, Dark plum, Black cherry, Iron and Leather.
- Palate
- Malbec's Old World home — inky, austere, built for decades. Generally very full-bodied, medium acidity, grippy tannins, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Very Full5/5
Tannins Grippy5/5
Acidity Medium3/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5
Grapes
Malbec (Côt)MerlotTannat
Aromas And Notes
BlackberryDark plumBlack cherryVioletIronLeatherDark chocolateEarthTruffleGameCoffeeSpice
Terroir
Continental with Atlantic and Mediterranean influences — significant vintage variation.
Kimmeridgian limestone (causse)River alluvial terracesClay-limestone
Food Pairings
CassouletConfit de canardWild boarTrufflesAged Cantal
Notable Producers
- Château du Cèdre, founded 1958 - Cahors Le Cèdre
- Clos Triguedina, founded 1830 - Prince Probus