Grapes: Malbec
Region: Cahors, France
Vintage: 2022
Viticulture: Organic
Soils: clay-limestone
Vinification: The grapes are handpicked, de-stemmed, gently crushed and macerated 1-2 weeks (for a shorter time than other Siguier wines, to make wine with smoother tannins). Fermented with indigenous yeasts and rested in stainless steel.
Aging: 9-12 months in stainless steel tanks
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: None
Notes from the Importer: Gilles Bley knows the history of Cahors and can trace his winegrowing roots in the AOC back many generations. His intimate understanding of the Malbec (Côt) and Tannat vines on his 15-hectare estate led to a desire to create wine that highlights this storied region’s unheard potential for delicacy. Cahors is divided into two distinct terroirs — this appellation is traditionally known for its heavy and brooding black wines that take years to reveal any fruit. These dark tannic wines come from the heavy soil down by the Lot River. Gilles Bley’s vines, by contrast, are on the lesser-known, better-drained terroir, up on the flat terraces above. His wines express the lighter and brighter side of Cahors. He produces wines that are surprisingly bright and fruit-driven with depth of red and black fruit, subtle terroir and silken tannins.
