Viniou Reviews
Château Lamagdelaine Noire 2021 is a striking representation of the Malbec grape from the historic Cahors AOC in the South-West of France. This red wine, made exclusively from Malbec, typically offers an intense, deep purple hue, with complex aromas of black fruit, plum, violet, and subtle spice. The 2021 vintage benefited from a temperate growing season, allowing for optimal ripeness while preserving freshness and aromatic finesse. On the palate, one can expect a wine with firm yet polished tannins, generous blackberry and cherry notes, and a lingering finish marked by hints of cocoa and earthiness, underlining the variety’s renowned depth and structure.
The Cahors region, nestled on the limestone terraces and clay soils at the foot of the Massif Central, is revered as the ancestral home of Malbec, locally known as "Côt" or "Auxerrois". The terroir, shaped by the Lot River’s meanders, combines humid subtleties, cool nights, and sunny days—ideal conditions for cultivating a grape that thrives on contrast. These unique soils and microclimates produce wines of remarkable character, balancing power with finesse. With a heritage dating back to Roman times, Cahors has endured through the ages, crafting robust reds that were once prized by popes and tsars alike.
This wine’s expressive personality pairs beautifully with hearty regional cuisine. Classic local dishes such as confit de canard, cassoulet, or a rustic cassoulet with Toulouse sausages enhance its earthy undertones, while grilled lamb or slow-cooked beef dishes are perfect companions for Malbec’s structure. For a vegetarian option, try with a mushroom and lentil Wellington or an aged Comté cheese, both of which highlight the wine’s complexity and tannic grip.
Serve Château Lamagdelaine Noire 2021 at 16-18°C, ideally after a brief decanting to allow its bouquet and flavours to unfold. This temperature will bring out both its fruit intensity and savoury nuances, making for a memorable tasting experience.
