Clos La Coutale Cahors 2023 750ml

Clos La Coutale Cahors — Southwest France 2023

Clos La Coutale is one of Cahors’ most beloved and historic estates — a domaine whose 100 hectares of vines sit in the heart of the meanders of the Lot River, on alluvial soils of gravel and clay-limestone silica with a southwest exposure that protects against extreme cold. Cahors itself is one of France’s most ancient wine regions, established in Quercy by the Romans, who developed its production with such success that in 92 A.D. Emperor Domitian ordered half the vineyards torn out to protect Italian wine production — a decree the locals famously disobeyed. The 2023 Malbec is crafted in a hearty, rustic style that is simultaneously ready for immediate enjoyment and built to age — a savvy wine drinker’s benchmark for French Malbec at a value price.

The nose is warm and expressive: dark fruit, wild berries, earth, and a slightly wild streak that sets this apart from Argentine Malbec and signals the terroir of the Lot. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with excellent structure, supple tannins, and a long, satisfying finish. It holds its own alongside celebrated appellations and brings real presence to the table — the kind of Southwest French red that disappears fast.

"A hearty, rustic red from France’s southwest — this Cahors has everything a savvy wine drinker wants: ready for immediate consumption, excellent structure to age, and comes in at a value price. The 2023 vintage has a slightly wild streak, which goes perfectly with a medium-rare ribeye and roast rosemary potatoes." — Tom Wolf

• Producer: Clos La Coutale, Cahors, Southwest France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Cahors AOC, Southwest France
• Varietal: Malbec
• Terroir: Alluvial gravel & clay-limestone silica on the Lot River meanders
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, wild berries, earth, rustic character, supple tannins, long structured finish
• Best Paired With: Ribeye steak, cassoulet, roast lamb, duck confit, vegetable stew, quesadillas

France’s benchmark Cahors Malbec at an honest price — Clos La Coutale is the standard for what structured, terroir-driven Southwest French Malbec can deliver.