Wines Cahors Château Camp del Saltre - Révélation - 2014

Viniou Reviews

Château Camp del Saltre’s 2014 Cuvée Révélation is a classic Cahors red, expressing the depth and character that this appellation is celebrated for. Predominantly composed of Malbec (known locally as Côt), sometimes complemented by small quantities of Merlot or Tannat, this wine from the foothills of the Massif Central displays a deep, inky presentation and a beautiful aromatic profile. The 2014 vintage, a year marked by a relatively cool growing season and careful harvest, has yielded a balanced wine, showing notes of ripe blackberries, dark plum, subtle violet, with hints of tobacco, leather, and a distinctive, earthy minerality. Ageing (most likely both in vat and in oak barrels) has brought roundness and complexity, softening the tannins while preserving a firm structure – a hallmark of quality Malbec from Cahors.

Cahors, nestled in the South-West of France, boasts a long history of viticulture, dating back to Roman times. The region’s terroir is shaped by the Lot river and the gravelly limestone plateaus of the Massif Central’s foothills, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The climate is a harmonious balance of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, allowing grapes to ripen fully while retaining freshness and tension. This combination of climate and limestone-rich soils gives Cahors its capacity for wines of remarkable depth, structure, and ageing potential, often referred to as the “black wine” of France for their deep hues and robust styles.

This wine shines alongside hearty, flavourful dishes. For a regional pairing, consider cassoulet or magret de canard with a prune sauce. The tannic structure also stands up superbly to grilled red meats, lamb shank, oxtail stew, or even a wild mushroom risotto. Mature hard cheeses, like Cantal or Salers, are delightful as well.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the Cuvée Révélation 2014 for at least an hour before serving, to allow its aromatic palette to open up and the tannins to soften. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to best appreciate its complexity and depth. This wine is at a beautiful point of maturity now, though it could gracefully evolve for another several years in the cellar.