France: Château du Cèdre 2022 - Malbec, Cahors (Organic)

Read Alex's Producer Profile on Château du Cèdre

Grape variety: 100% Malbec. Certified organic. 13% alcohol. 

Oldest vineyard blocks date back to 1958. Cahors is 230km south-east of Bordeaux on the river Lot.

An incredibly important, heroic producer of this region, Château du Cèdre is regarded as the benchmark estate of Cahors, not only credited for raising the region's reputation from the doldrums but also for elevating Malbec to international acclaim.

Owned and run by the Verhaeghe family of Belgian origin, they were determined from their very first vintage of 1973 to focus solely on quality in a region where the wines had a quite frankly horrific reputation for being tannic, rustic, and dirt cheap. Pursuing quality is MUCH harder work. 

They quickly showed there was another way: complete avoidance of chemical pesticides, striving for quality via meticulous attention to detail in both vineyard and winery, very low yields, seeking out the best areas for new plantings, gentle extraction in the winery, long ageing in large-format oak, minimal new oak, restrained sulphur additions thanks to scrupulous winery hygiene, and constant experimentation. 

From 35 year old vines, 18 months ageing in large 5,700-litre casks and 500-litre barrels.

A bold yet medium-bodied, incredibly graceful, easy-drinking Malbec that brims with freshness and finesse. 

For its quality, in a fine wine context, this is a great value wine. 

Red Wine Headaches:

Several people - including myself - who struggle with headaches the day after drinking some reds have told me that this wine doesn't give them a headache at all. I can also vouch for this. Of course this is no guarantee for everyone, but it's a good sign! 

Food Pairing:

Pan-seared steak, roast lamb, duck breast or confit, venison, mushroom dishes, lentils, charcuterie, aged hard cheeses, or earthy vegetable sides.

What the critics say:

92 points, Wine Enthusiast: "a classic of Cahors."

92 points, James Suckling: "balanced, flavourful, with chalky tannins and fresh acidity."