While working as an oenologue in Provence, Valérie Courrèges was looking for an outstanding terroir with which to settle down, and in 2019, came across the perfect opportunity to settle in Cahors. Now based in the South West, Valérie tends 22 hectares of old vines rooted in a sublime terroir of clay and limestone. Drawing inspiration from legends such as Lalou Bize-Leroy, Jean-François Ganevat, and Olivier Horiot, her first order of business at the winery was to convert all of its vineyards to biodynamic f
Presentation
Presentation
The 'Carmin' cuvée—evocative of the wine's deep red color—is one of Valérie Courrèges' flagship Malbecs, and an excellent ambassador for the birthplace of this rustic variety.
Terroir
Swelling, stony red clay soil on top of a friable jurassic limestone bedrock.
In the vineyard
Vineyard located in Côteaux du Quercy, marl soil on the limestone bedrock of an ancient lake.
Vine age 1982
Vine age 1982
Harvest
Hand Harvested
Winemaking
Grapes are mostly de-stemmed, but not crushed in order to maintain the integrity of the berries. Wines are fermented with native yeast in small concrete tanks, sorted by parcel. Moderate extraction by gentle punch-downs or small pump-overs. 20 to 25 days total for maceration and fermentation.
Ageing
15 months in small concrete vats and barrels
Unfined and unfiltered
Unfined and unfiltered
Varietal
Malbec : 100%
Specifications
GM : NO
Contains sulphites. Does not contain egg or egg products. Does not contain milk or milk-based products.
Advice
Serving
16°C/61°F
Ageing potential
Enjoy all year long, 5 to 10 years
Tasting
Nose: Nose of wild berries, heady flowers, spices and noble oak.
Palate: Full-bodied, juicy, with firm tannins that will require a few years or an hour in the decanter to mellow.
Palate: Full-bodied, juicy, with firm tannins that will require a few years or an hour in the decanter to mellow.
Food pairings
Grilled red and white meats, game, duck, lamb.
