Cahors is one of the oldest wine-growing areas in France. In the Middle Ages the region produced far more wine – and of a higher quality – than neighboring Bordeaux. Cahors exported more than three times its current annual production to England alone. At the end of the 19th C, the phylloxera completely wiped out most local wine-growers.
Luckily, new vines were imported and since the 1970s, Cahors has once more become established as a fine quality wine. It is generally much less expensive than its better-known Bordeaux neighbor. It is the only region in France which has successfully grown the Malbec grape. The Black Wine of Cahors has its own Appellation Controllee.
Luckily, new vines were imported and since the 1970s, Cahors has once more become established as a fine quality wine. It is generally much less expensive than its better-known Bordeaux neighbor. It is the only region in France which has successfully grown the Malbec grape. The Black Wine of Cahors has its own Appellation Controllee.
Wines and Wine Tours
Bicycling through the wine country northeast of Cahors is a glorious experience, as is dining at the restaurants of some of the great local vintners.
This link, cahors wine tours, mentions half-day wine tour via a mini-bus, which takes you to several excellent vineyards for wine tasting. I have not taken the tour, but would love to hear your experience.
Alternatively, you could set up your own wine tour—usually at the house, and definitely at the tourist office, there is a map of the many vineyards in and around Cahors or click on this link--Wine Tour in Lot
There are lots of gourmet shops with excellent wine selections throughout the region— here’s one of my favorites, in Cahors. Thousands of wines, free tastings, and many other gourmet and gift items. Here’s a link, with directions: Cahors Saveurs.
Within the village, you can taste three different Malbecs (they only carry three) at the Musee de Vin. But you can buy some excellent wines, white and red, at La Table Producteur in the village, they are a central seller of the best fois gras in France (they also have an excellent little restaurant in the back), and Valerie speaks English and is a gracious and knowledgeable host.
You can find many interesting articles by googling the great "Black Wines" (Malbecs) of Cahors, and here’s one: click on this link— Black Wines of Cahors— for some interesting history, recommendations, and perhaps for finding someone to conduct your own private wine tour.
Finally, there are two restaurants in vineyards, among many, worth noting for their excellent food and wine. Here is the link for one--Restaurant and Vineyard Haute Serre— an excellent restaurant near Cahors that will help match its vineyard's fine wines to their superb lunch or dinner in a comfortably elegant setting, and you can have a tour of the wine-making facilities if you request in advance.
A bit fancier (I believe they earned a Michelin star) is Chateau de Mercues restaurant. If you want a high end experience with excellent wines from a great vineyard, this is worth the 45 minute drive.
Another little gem in the Cahors area is a small 8th generation vineyard named Domaine "Le Passelys". The personalized tour and intimate tasting room conversation were a true delight (and we liked the wine too).
There is lots to discover on your own. For example, Domain Dols is a tiny nearby vineyard that only allows tastings after 4 p.m. (once they’ve done their work for the day), a fun local drive, and they sell some of their good wines for 3 or 4 euros.
Bicycling through the wine country northeast of Cahors is a glorious experience, as is dining at the restaurants of some of the great local vintners.
This link, cahors wine tours, mentions half-day wine tour via a mini-bus, which takes you to several excellent vineyards for wine tasting. I have not taken the tour, but would love to hear your experience.
Alternatively, you could set up your own wine tour—usually at the house, and definitely at the tourist office, there is a map of the many vineyards in and around Cahors or click on this link--Wine Tour in Lot
There are lots of gourmet shops with excellent wine selections throughout the region— here’s one of my favorites, in Cahors. Thousands of wines, free tastings, and many other gourmet and gift items. Here’s a link, with directions: Cahors Saveurs.
Within the village, you can taste three different Malbecs (they only carry three) at the Musee de Vin. But you can buy some excellent wines, white and red, at La Table Producteur in the village, they are a central seller of the best fois gras in France (they also have an excellent little restaurant in the back), and Valerie speaks English and is a gracious and knowledgeable host.
You can find many interesting articles by googling the great "Black Wines" (Malbecs) of Cahors, and here’s one: click on this link— Black Wines of Cahors— for some interesting history, recommendations, and perhaps for finding someone to conduct your own private wine tour.
Finally, there are two restaurants in vineyards, among many, worth noting for their excellent food and wine. Here is the link for one--Restaurant and Vineyard Haute Serre— an excellent restaurant near Cahors that will help match its vineyard's fine wines to their superb lunch or dinner in a comfortably elegant setting, and you can have a tour of the wine-making facilities if you request in advance.
A bit fancier (I believe they earned a Michelin star) is Chateau de Mercues restaurant. If you want a high end experience with excellent wines from a great vineyard, this is worth the 45 minute drive.
Another little gem in the Cahors area is a small 8th generation vineyard named Domaine "Le Passelys". The personalized tour and intimate tasting room conversation were a true delight (and we liked the wine too).
There is lots to discover on your own. For example, Domain Dols is a tiny nearby vineyard that only allows tastings after 4 p.m. (once they’ve done their work for the day), a fun local drive, and they sell some of their good wines for 3 or 4 euros.
Additional Readings and Vineyards for Oenophiles
NY Times piece on our wines (link):
New Energy, New Inspiration, and Great Wines
(Eric Asimov, September 2017)
NY Times piece on our wines (link):
New Energy, New Inspiration, and Great Wines
(Eric Asimov, September 2017)
Families of the Vine (book and tour)
An excellent book to read before you visit is Families of the Vine, a well-written non-fiction account of three family wineries nearby.
The author follows the wine’s path from vine to barrel to glass. He captures a way of life that existed before global marketing. He shows the winemakers in the family-owned, family-run vineyards and describes the pathos of the harvest during the drought-ridden year of 2003. He even explains how barrels are made.
Laced throughout this solid, affectionate portrait are unusual insights showing us that a knowledge of wine really can’t be imparted by experts. It takes firsthand experience and time.
The author follows the wine’s path from vine to barrel to glass. He captures a way of life that existed before global marketing. He shows the winemakers in the family-owned, family-run vineyards and describes the pathos of the harvest during the drought-ridden year of 2003. He even explains how barrels are made.
Laced throughout this solid, affectionate portrait are unusual insights showing us that a knowledge of wine really can’t be imparted by experts. It takes firsthand experience and time.
In Families of the Vine, we are introduced to:
Here are a few more links that may further excite your oenophilia: Malbec, the once forgotten wine; wine tours in France; bicycle wine tour.
- Yves & Martine Jouffreau-Hermann of Clos de Gamot, a vineyard in Prayssac dating from 1610 and whose signature wine is considered the quintessential expression of red Cahors. Read more: http://www.snooth.com/
- Jean-Luc Baldès of Clos Triguedina in Puy-l’Eveque. He is the prodigal son who returned to the family vineyard after studying in Bordeaux.
- Finally, there is Philippe Bernède of Clos la Coutale in Vire sur Lot. He favors fast cars and producing a more international (read: softer, fruitier) style of red wine. e-mail: [email protected]
Here are a few more links that may further excite your oenophilia: Malbec, the once forgotten wine; wine tours in France; bicycle wine tour.
Additional Worthy Vineyards
Listed below are a few of the other fine wineries in the region (but read the article above for additional vineyards). Remember, there are dozens more and you may discover something special on your own. In the case of small vineyards, it is a good idea to make an appointment before you go. And remember: you will likely be taking a family member away from work to serve you a taste. They will be happy to see you, but please be respectful of their time.
- Le Clos d’un Jour, where they have started storing wine in earthen jars. Veronique et Stephane Azemar, Duravel, email: [email protected]
- Cave Cooperative Les COTES D’OLT SUD – try “Impernal.” on the Agen-Cahors road (D653), follow ‘Floressas‘ sign just after Tournon d’Agenais; between small towns Saux and St Matré.
- Chateau Chambert, Floressas-- a large organic vineyard. Tel: +33 (0) 5 65 31 95 75, Monday to Friday: 9:00AM – 12:30PM and 2:00PM – 5:30PM, Saturday: 10:00 – 12:30PM and 3:00PM – 5:30PM
- Clos de Gamot Winery
- Chateau les Croisilles