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Cahors Wine

Le Lot's winemaking tradition dates all the way back to Roman times when the vineyards surrounding Cahors were renown for producing a "black wine". Exports of the wine reached as far as Russia. That tradition survives to this day. The deep and robust red Cahors malbec is best suited for those looking for a grape with strength to stand up to the lamb and duck gastronomic traditions of Le Lot. Cahors' Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) requires that the dark Malbec grape make up a minimum 70 percent of a vintage with notes added usually of Merlot and Tannat. Day trips or organized tours to the surrounding vineyards of Cahors provide tourists an opportunity to discover the subtler vintages of this enduring wine.     

Cahors AOC

Red wine comprises the large majority of the wine production under the Cahors AOC. Limited quantity whites and rosés are generally produced under the designation Vin de Pays du Lot. Most of wine is produced in the 4,200 hectares (10,000 acres) of vineyards west of Cahors in Mercuès, Parnac, Luzech, Prayssac, Grézels, Puy-l'Éveque and Vire sur Lot. 

WINE

Vineyard Tours and Tastings

A good number winemakers offer tours and tastings. Wine tastings and estate tours of the surrounding vineyards are well within a fifteen minute drive. Recommended estates include  Château Chambert, Château de Haute-Serre, Château du Cedre, Clos de Gamot, Château de Mercuès, Clos La Coutale, Château de Lagrézette, Château La Caminade, Château Saint-Didier-Parnac and Château Haut-Monplaisir.