2018 Cahors Clos Coutale

Halfway between Bordeaux and Montpellier, Cahors is as close to the Mediterranean as it is to the Atlantic Ocean. And while this commune is technically part of the Occitanie region—which encompasses the Languedoc wine region—the red wine this AOC produces is arguably a nearer relative to those of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion than it is to those from the great Languedocien villages. For decades, Philippe Bernède of Clos La Coutale has farmed Malbec and Merlot just south of the Lot River. Following harvest, he de-stems the grapes and vinifies each parcel separately before blending the wine and aging it in foudres and old grand cru Bordeaux barrels. The result presents a thrilling paradox: this age-worthy red displays both refinement and rusticity. If Bordeaux is the polished and urbane one in the family, Cahors is the sneakily sophisticated, but humbler country cousin, loaded with personality you’ll enjoy getting to know -Importer notes (Tom Wolf/Kermit Lynch)