Viniou Reviews
Château Les Croisille's "Cuvée Calcaire" 2022 from Cahors AOC presents itself as a modern interpretation of this classic southwestern French appellation. Crafted predominantly from Malbec—locally known as Côt—this wine benefits from biodynamic viticulture, which enhances the expression of its unique terroir. The Calcaire parcel, as its name suggests, is characterised by limestone-rich soils that impart tension and finesse to the resulting wine. The 2022 vintage, marked by favourable weather and careful vineyard management, translates into a lively, deep-hued red distinguished by notes of black cherry, plum, violets, and a subtle mineral lift. The vinification respects the integrity of the fruit, often with gentle extraction and moderate ageing, yielding a wine that finds a compelling balance between vibrant fruit, supple tannins, and pronounced freshness.
Cahors, nestled in the Sud-Ouest region at the foothills of the Massif Central, has a long and illustrious history of wine production, dating back to Roman times. The confluence of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences ensures warm days and cool nights, while the mosaics of gravel, clay, and limestone soils contribute complexity and age-worthiness to the wines. The abundance of calcareous soil in certain plots, like the one for this cuvée, imparts a chalky precision and a vivid aromatic lift, distinguishing it from the more robust, clay-grown Malbecs elsewhere in the appellation.
For food pairings, "Cuvée Calcaire" 2022 is a versatile companion at the table. Its freshness and structure make it especially apt with local regional fare such as confit de canard, cassoulet, or magret de canard. The wine’s tense minerality and fine tannins also work well with grilled lamb cutlets, earthy mushroom dishes, or a selection of mature cheeses like Cantal or Rocamadour.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for an hour if consumed in its youth to allow the bouquet to unfold. Serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C to highlight its freshness and the finesse of its tannins. With its bright energy and sense of place, this wine can be relished now or cellared for a few more years to gain additional complexity.
