2007 Chateau Pineraie Cahors

Chateau Pineraie is the Cahors appellation in Southwest France. It is owned and operated by the Burc family, which has been making wine in the region since the 17th century. Today the sisters Anne and Emmanuelle are taking the reins of the 125-acre estate. Vineyards are planted to 85% Malbec and 15% Merlot. The estate makes two 100% Malbec wines, which are L’Authentique du Chateau Pineraie and Le Malbec du Chateau Pineraie. La Cuvee des Dames and Le Chateau Pineraie are blends of 85% Malbec and 15% Merlot. The estate also produces a rose and a white wine. In Le Guide Hachette des Vins 2012 edition, the editors awarded the estate two stars out of a possible three. Inclusion in Le Guide, the leading French wine review, is considered a high compliment.

This grape produces a dark red wine with plenty of tannins. It is one of the six grapes allowed for blending red Bordeaux wines. Malbec is also the flagship variety of Argentina. The grape needs a lot of sun and heat to mature. It adds complexity and intensity to blends.