Chateau Nozieres Cahors Ambroise de l'Her 2018

Cahors is a (mostly) red-wine producing region in south west France that focuses almost exclusively on Malbec (aka: Côt or Auxerrois); neither Cabernet (Franc or Sauvignon) is allowed. Malbec must make up at least 70% of wines labeled Cahors, with the remainder being Merlot and/or Tannat. The climate here is influenced by the Mediterranean as well as by the Atlantic, and, although winters are colder than in Bordeaux, the wines tend to be more concentrated. There’s no real style “rule” here though many producers make a lighter version of Cahors that can be a bit rustic, while fewer make big, velvety, concentrated wines more like those of Argentina. This Malbec falls into the latter category, with a stick-to-your-ribs character.

Château Nozières is a family run 50 hectare vineyard located in the village of Vire sur Lot in the heart of the Cahors appellation. The two grapes planted here are Malbec and Merlot. They farm using methods that respect the environment, such as alternating parcels, planting of grasses, encouraging biodiversity, and minimal use of chemicals and are in Ecocert organic conversion.