Cahors, Southwest France
The noble Malbec grape finds its historical home and greatest expression in southwestern France’s Cahors appellation. Due to its deep, brooding nature, Malbec in Cahors is customarily blended with Merlot to add textural richness and elegance. Château Eugénie’s cuvée Tradition, a classic blend of Malbec (80%) and Merlot, reflects an opaque black plum and blossoms with textbook aromas of black cherries, woodruff, eucalyptus, and sassafras. Palpably suave and generous on the palate, Eugénie’s Tradition unfurls with layers of meaty black fruits accented by notes of earthy morel mushrooms, bay leaf, and gentian root. Soft, fine tannins enter the landscape mid-palate and segue the wine to its full, satisfying black-fruited finish. The warmth of the vintage softens the Malbec’s mighty tannins and makes the 2018 Tradition one of the most approachable, authentic, and immediately delicious Cahors in memory. Enjoy now and over the next five to seven years with charcuterie, braised lentils, mushroom dishes, burgers, casseroles, and other rustic fare.
A July 2021 newsletter selection