Viniou Reviews
Château Cayx 2016 hails from the esteemed Cahors AOC, situated in the South-West of France at the foothills of the Massif Central. This wine is crafted predominantly from Malbec, the emblematic grape of the region, possibly blended with smaller proportions of Merlot or Tannat. The 2016 vintage benefited from ideal weather conditions, delivering grapes with superb ripeness and balance. Vinification at Château Cayx focuses on expressing the aromatic complexity and powerful structure typical of Cahors reds, employing traditional methods that include extended maceration and maturation in oak barrels to polish the tannins and deepen the wine’s character.
The broader Cahors region enjoys a temperate climate influenced by both Atlantic and continental elements, with warm summers and cool nights that allow grapes to mature slowly, preserving freshness and aromatic precision. The soil here is an intriguing mix of limestone plateaus (causses), rich in minerals, and gravelly terraces along the Lot River, which brings intensity and finesse to the wines. Historically, Cahors boasts a long-standing reputation for producing robust wines known as the “Black Wine”, cherished since Roman times for their depth and longevity.
Château Cayx 2016 is a bold, structured wine with notes of black plum, cassis, violet, and subtle hints of liquorice and cedar. It pairs beautifully with slow-cooked meats such as duck confit, cassoulet, braised lamb shank, or a hearty beef stew. Regional specialities, like magret de canard or Cahors truffle omelette, will also highlight its earthy nuances. For a cheese course, seek out a wedge of Cantal or Rocamadour.
To fully appreciate Cahors’ power and finesse, serve this wine at 16-18°C, ideally after decanting for an hour or so to let the aromas open up. This vintage is drinking well now but has enough structure to develop further over the next five to eight years if cellared in good conditions.
