DESCRIPTION :

Originally from Cahors, locally known as Cot or Auxerrois, Malbec is the dominant grape variety of Cahors wines. It is supplemented by up to 30% Merlot and Tannat. As a reflection of the character of the Malbec variety, Cahors wines can be rather tannic when young, and benefit from aging. There are 4,400 hectares (10,000 acres) of Cahors vineyards. The designation AOC Cahors may only be used for red wines even though there is also some white and rosé wine produced in the same area but it falls under the designation Vin de Pays du Lot instead. Ideal climate conditions Oceanic but under a strong influence from the Mediterranean, the climate that can be found around the Cahors vineyard is characterized by less rain fall than in Bordeaux. In the autumn, the Autan wind blows a dry hot air coming from the south that provides perfect maturity to the berries whilst the Lot River is a natural thermal regulator. The terraces of the Lot Valley The terraces of the Lot are divided into three distinct areas composed of alluviums that originated from the Central Mountain range. The more one rises, the more the soils are drained. The terraces adjacent to the river produce subtle and fruity wines. The mid terraces give much more ample type wines. The higher terraces as well as the Grèzes areas, composed of limestone blocs originating from the Causse plateau, are the ones that give the richer type Cahors that are fit for being layed down. Above 300 meters altitude, on the limestone plateau that is less fertile than the terraces and where the influence of the River is less effective, the wines produced there are less full bodied but of great finesse. This morning depart from your centrally located hotel in Toulouse and head for the Cahors vineyards. Once in the area your personal English speaking driver-guide will comment on the history and explain the typicity of the Cahors terroir. During the day you will visit the installations and wine taste in 3 different wineries of the Cahors wine producing region. Return to Toulouse at the end of the day.

Prices :