Flavors · Cahors

Vin de Cahors

Dark, full-bodied red wine from the Cahors appellation in the Lot valley, made with at least 70% malbec, a grape called côt or auxerrois there and native to the region. It has been an appellation since 1971.

Traditional drink from Cahors, Occitânia

Also known as: Cahors, vinho de Cahors, Cahors AOC

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Get it on Google Play

Click a photo to enlarge it.

France
France
Vin de Cahors — Cahors, France
Vin de Cahors
Vin de Cahors — Cahors, France
Vin de Cahors
Vin de Cahors — Cahors, France
Vin de Cahors
Vin de Cahors — Cahors, France
Vin de Cahors

Vin de Cahors — Cahors, France

Vin de Cahors is a red wine produced on both banks of the Lot River around the town of Cahors, the historic capital of Quercy. The appellation has existed since 1971 and only permits red wines. The wine must contain at least 70% malbec, completed by tannat or merlot. Its color is very dark and deep.

Malbec is native to Quercy. In Cahors the grape has local names, côt and auxerrois, the latter mentioned as early as the 16th century by a town jurist. It was malbec that, taken to other countries, became the best-known grape of Argentina.

The vineyards occupy two types of terrain: alluvial terraces along the Lot in the river’s meanders, and the causses—plateaus and limestone slopes—above 250 meters, with stony soils. Wine trade in Cahors was already important in Roman times, and the Lot River was used to carry barrels to Bordeaux and the sea.

Cahors wine pairs with southwestern French cuisine, such as duck, confit, and grilled meats. Many estates in the valley welcome visitors for tastings.

Share: WhatsApp

Where it comes from

Cahors , Occitânia
The appellation takes its name from the town, the historic capital of Quercy, the birthplace of malbec.

Ingredients

Malbec grapes (côt or auxerrois), minimum 70%; tannat and merlot as complements.

How it is eaten

At the table, with duck dishes, confit, red meats and cheeses. Younger wines are fruitier; older ones gain complexity after several years in bottle.

When it is eaten

Meals year-round; the harvest takes place in September and October.

Your questions

Questions about Vin de Cahors

Is Cahors wine made from malbec?

Yes. The appellation requires at least 70% malbec, which in Cahors is called côt or auxerrois, completed by tannat or merlot.

Is malbec Argentine or French?

The grape is native to Quercy, the Cahors region. Taken to other countries, it became the best-known grape of Argentina.

Since when has Cahors been an appellation?

Since 1971. The appellation only permits red wines.

Flavors of France

Discover other flavors of France