Viniou Reviews
Château Eugénie Cuvée Tsar Pierre Le Grand 2019 is a red, dry wine from the illustrious Cahors AOC in south-western France, lying on the piedmont of the Massif Central. The wine is classically crafted, predominantly from the Malbec grape variety, often known locally as "Cot", with occasional contributions from Merlot or Tannat to round out its structure. The 2019 vintage benefited from an ideal growing season, gifting concentration and poise to the wines. After careful selection, vinification traditionally includes a period of maceration and aging, often partly in oak barrels, to tame the natural power of Malbec and bring added finesse and depth. The Cuvée Tsar Pierre Le Grand is typically among the flagship wines of the château, offering intensity and complexity that rewards both immediate enjoyment and cellaring.
Cahors is one of the South-West’s historic regions, celebrated for its "black wines", famous since the Middle Ages and once prized at European courts, including those of Russian Tsars. The region enjoys a continental climate, with significant diurnal variation, warm summers and cool nights, which foster slow, balanced ripening. The soils are diverse, ranging from limestone-rich plateaux (causses), which impart structure and minerality, to gravelly terraces closer to the Lot River, lending opulence and roundness. Such terroir character shines through in this cuvée, offering dark fruit, floral notes and a distinctive earthy backbone.
For food pairings, this Cahors will shine alongside robust dishes. Classic local partnerships include duck confit, cassoulet, or a hearty cassoulet de Toulouse. The concentrated, savoury palate also finds a wonderful counterpart in roasted lamb with herbs, grilled ribeye steak, or hard cheeses such as Cantal or aged Gouda. The wine’s structure and acidity help it stand up to richly flavoured, slow-cooked dishes and earthy mushrooms.
To appreciate its full aromatic and textural profile, decant the wine for at least an hour prior to serving. Ideal service temperature is 16-18°C. This will allow its bouquet of black cherry, plum, violet and subtle spice to unfurl beautifully, while the tannins soften and the finish lengthens delightfully.
