Cahors Clos La Coutale Malbec | Cahors, France

£14.90

Malbec is the main grape in the legendary ‘Black wine of Cahors’. Way before Argentina made the varietal ‘famous’, Malbec – though in this region it is known as Côt or Auxerrois. – was making long-lived wines from Cahors – the 1959 Clos La Coutale is still drinking superbly.

Clos La Coutale is a blend of 85% Malbec and 15% Merlot from 90 ha of vines with an average age of 35 years, planted on the alluvial fettaces along the Lot river. The soils are of gravels, silicates and limestone clay with a south west aspect. The estate is sheltered from the cold winds that blow from the “Causse” region ; a micro-climate which ensures that the vines and their fruit ripen fully early in the season.

Grapes are taken off the stems, as is the local tradition (and to the benefit of long term ageing). Fermentation is in stainless steel for 15-18 days at a temperature of 28°C (80°F) in thermo-controlled vats. Daily “pigeage’’ (breaking-up/punching down of the layer formed on top of the juice) ensures maximum extraction for the bouquet and the palate.

Each vineyard parcel is vinified separately; the selected ones are blended in the January following the harvest and aged in oak cask foudres of 1-2 year old Bordeaux Grand Cru barrels for 8-10 months to create a full balance between the tannins and the fruit.

Winemaker Philippe Bernède has inherited his “savoir faire” from six generations of wine growers. He is also the inventor of the double-hinged ‘Coutale’ corkscrew.

Malbec is the main grape in the legendary ‘Black wine of Cahors’. Way before Argentina made the varietal ‘famous’, Malbec – though in this region it is known as Côt or Auxerrois. – was making long-lived wines from Cahors – the 1959 Clos La Coutale is still drinking superbly.

Clos La Coutale is a blend of 85% Malbec and 15% Merlot from 90 ha of vines with an average age of 35 years, planted on the alluvial fettaces along the Lot river. The soils are of gravels, silicates and limestone clay with a south west aspect. The estate is sheltered from the cold winds that blow from the “Causse” region ; a micro-climate which ensures that the vines and their fruit ripen fully early in the season.

Grapes are taken off the stems, as is the local tradition (and to the benefit of long term ageing). Fermentation is in stainless steel for 15-18 days at a temperature of 28°C (80°F) in thermo-controlled vats. Daily “pigeage’’ (breaking-up/punching down of the layer formed on top of the juice) ensures maximum extraction for the bouquet and the palate.

Each vineyard parcel is vinified separately; the selected ones are blended in the January following the harvest and aged in oak cask foudres of 1-2 year old Bordeaux Grand Cru barrels for 8-10 months to create a full balance between the tannins and the fruit.

Winemaker Philippe Bernède has inherited his “savoir faire” from six generations of wine growers. He is also the inventor of the double-hinged ‘Coutale’ corkscrew.

Origin: Cahors, France

Grapes: Malbec, Merlot

Tasting Notes: The addition of Merlot to the Malbec produces a noticable refinement to the bouquet and softening of the palate, making it very drinkable in its youth. A fruity and spicy nose; full-bodied, smooth and round with light tannins; delicious tastes of red fruits, cherry, strawberries and licorice notes. The finish is intense and long.

ABV: 13.5%

Vintage: 2023

Ageing potential: to at least 2035

Attributes: Vegan, oak aged, Production limited to 25,000 cases.

Closure: cork

Farming: Organic certified

Sustainability info:

Winery / Winemaker: Clos la Coutale

Winery link Clos La Coutale

Food pairing suggestions: Perfect complement to the regions speciality of duck; also with cassoulet or a simple steak and strong cheeses

Awards: