Malbec, the resurrection of France's forgotten wine

The black wine of Cahors

Last week,six of us come together for a malbec wine tasting tour in Cahors, south-west France. Ask the average wine drinker to name the home of the Malbec grape and chances are that they will answer, "Argentina.", but the grapes originated here. Malbec has become synonymous with Argentina - truly it's 'signature grape' - and it is Malbec that has spear-headed strong export sales for Argentina, particularly to the UK, USA, Canada and Brazil. But Cahors' vineyards were first planted 2000 years ago by the Romans. It was Cahors that gave Argentina its first Malbec vines, when French agronomists took cuttings there in 1852. 

Today, the winemakers of Cahors are determined to reclaim Malbec as their own.The dominant grape variety in AOC Cahors wines is Malbec, which must make up a minimum of 70% of the wine, and which is known locally as "Côt", "Côt Noir" or "Auxerrois". 

The famous 'black wines' of Cahors were truevins de garde, suitable for long cellaring but needing that time to soften their sometimes brutal tannins.Why black? Principally because it is almost black, just hold a bottle up to the light and you’ll see into its deliciously inky depths. Cahors red wines are reputedly the darkest in the world; they are also some of the strongest and richest and will keep for years.

There are 4,200 hectares (10,000 acres) of Cahors vineyards, with at planting density of at least 4000 vines per ha. The designation AOC Cahors may only be used for red wines. There is also some white and rosé wine produced in the same area, and it is sold under the designation Vin de Pays du Lot instead.

Today's wine growing area lies mainly west of the town of Cahors. The most important places are Mercuès, Parnac, Luzech, Prayssac, Grézels, Puy-l'Éveque and Vire sur Lot. They are all located in the valley of the Lot.

La Maison Rigal

RIGAL is located in the Lot valley in the heart of South West France, and its roots have been in the town of Cahors since 1755.
For more than 250 years, this historical company has developed its expertise, assuring tradition, authenticity and quality for a range of wines from Cahors and the South West.

L'ABSOLU

L'absolu from the RIGAL Cahors rang is a fruity and well balanced Cahors. This range showcases a modern approach in terms of wine style and packaging, along with consistent quality with each vintage: the new generation Cahors.

Appellation: AOC Cahors

Location: Terraces Area (Lot)

Area under vine: 20 hectares

Terroir: RIGAL has selected the best parcels on the alluvial Terraces, which is the main unit of Cahors Terroirs. South Orientation.

Soil and sub-soil: Pebbles, gravel and sand

Vine density: 5500 vines per hectare

Average age of vines: 50 years

Grape varietals:100% Malbec

Harvest: Mechanicals

Yield: 40 Hl/Ha

Technical work & wine-making: Reasoned treatments, warm maceration before fermentation

Ageing: Ageing in French oak over 10 months

Tasting notes: Fruity and well-balanced wine with fine and silky tannins and generous red fruits aromas, blackcurant and liquorice. Slightly toasted finale. <L'Absolu> is a pleasant Cahors, joining traditional elaboration and modern gustative profile.

Serving suggestions: Serve at 17ºC

Ageing potential: 6-8 years

Food pairing: The wine is perfect to be served with your traditional or spicy, but also with grilled meat and cheeses.For example, the Xin Jiang Pilaf which we will introduce you this week, the yummy traditional Chinese food!