Winemaker Notes
Deep intense ruby color. Ripe fruit on the nose. Round and mellow in the mouth, this wine seduces with its fruit and well-matured tannins that bring persistence and finesse. Beautiful finish that is both harmonious and ample.
This wine is perfect for sipping or with meat dishes, tuna (raw or cooked), and firm cheeses.
Château du Caillau, which means “pebbles” in French, is located in the village of Vire-sur-Lot in the Cahors region. Wines from this region are made from the indigenous Malbec grape. These were nicknamed “black wine” by the English during the Middle Ages because of their red-black color. This estate is owned by Philippe Bernède whose family have been making the wine for six generations.
The vineyard is 100 hectares (247 acres) in size spread across three main plots (clay-gravel, clay-limestone and thick clay). The average of the vines are 25 years old. During harvest, the grapes are picked at low yields and each plot is vinified in separate sized tanks. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and oak for 12 months before it’s bottled. Estate grown and bottled. Organic practices.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
Within the Southwest of France, this is the one region outside of Argentina that is today almost exclusively dependent on Malbec. Locally the variety is called Cot, and makes a dense, earthy and black fruit dominant red wine. Both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean both have a strong influence on the climate of this region.