2019 Cahors
Château La Grave
While they might not know it, many people are already familiar with Philippe Bernède: his Clos La Coutale Cahors has long been a staple at KLWM, its iconic label and characteristic inky color symbols of affordable, terroir-driven refreshment for more than thirty years. Philippe recently acquired the nearby Château La Grave, expanding his holdings and offering a contrasting approach to Cahors that shares the incredible value of La Coutale. La Grave is one of the rare Cahors to consist exclusively of the native Malbec, or Côt, as it is locally known. Without any Merlot to soften it, this Cahors is decidedly old-fashioned, with a deep black robe and earthy, chewy tannins to frame the ripe, juicy fruit that seems to jump out of the glass. Enjoy this rustic country charmer anytime within the next several years, and for the complete Cahors experience, serve it with a crispy fried duck confit.. –Anthony Lynch
| Wine Type: | red |
| Vintage: | 2019 |
| Bottle Size: | 750mL |
| Blend: | Malbec |
| Appellation: | Cahors |
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Southwest |
| Producer: | Château La Grave |
| Winemaker: | Philippe Bernède |
| Vineyard: | Planted in 1990, 1995, 15 ha |
| Soil: | Red Clay |
| Aging: | Aged in 100hl wood tanks for one year before bottling |
| Farming: | Lutte Raisonnée |
| Alcohol: | 13.5% |
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About The Producer
Château La Grave
About The Region
Southwest
Tucked away beneath Bordeaux and buffeted by the Pyrenees to the south, this expansive region of France, commonly known as the Southwest, is home to a diverse number of viticulture and gastronomic traditions as well as cultures. Though Cahors might be the most well known (and easiest to pronounce) appellation from the Southwest, the importance and influence of French Basque culture cannot be underestimated. Irouléguy, the primary appellation of the Basque region of France produces full-bodied, hearty red wines, produced from Tannat grape (known for its tannic qualities). Dry whites from Irouléguy are also produced from Petit and Gros Manseng. Northeast of Irouléguy is the sweet wine-producing appellation of Jurançon. These moelleux wines made from Petit and Gros Manseng have a storied history in France, from being the first wine region to have a vineyard classification, which dates back to the 154th century, to being preferred wine of royalty dating back to the 16th century as well as the French poet Colette.
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Whether it’s a grape that thrives in a singular location or a blend that defines a region, some of our favorite wines are inextricably linked to their places of origin.
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Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
Great winemakers, great terroirs, there is never any hurry. And I no longer buy into this idea of “peak” maturity. Great winemakers, great terroirs, their wines offer different pleasures at different ages.
Inspiring Thirst, page 312