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Red dry
Château du Cèdre is the estate that reshaped the reputation of Cahors, showing how noble and elegant Malbec (Côt) can be when the winemaking philosophy is driven not by raw power, but by a clear expression of minerality and terroir.
The aromatics are deep, dense, and layered. At first impression, it reveals a concentrated core of black plums, blackberries, blueberries, and dark cherries. With time in the glass, it opens into tones of cocoa, cedar, black pepper, tobacco leaf, subtle dried herbs and a delicate smoky line. After aeration, a graphite minerality, forest floor, and truffle notes emerge—signatures of fruit coming from old vines with deep roots.
On the palate, Le Cèdre is full-bodied, yet gently rich. The tannins are silky and polished, their texture dense but fine. The acidity is vibrant and precise, holding the balance between ripe fruit and structural depth. The flavor echoes dark berries, graphite, black pepper, cocoa, a touch of smoke, and balsamic herbs. The finish is long, dry and elegant, with a saline limestone note that adds subtle tension and complexity.
Château du Cèdre grows on the limestone plateau of Cahors, where the soils are dominated by limestone, clay, and gravel—the classic terre blanche profile. These conditions naturally limit yields, concentrate the fruit, and the deep limestone bedrock gives the wine its mineral backbone.
The estate follows organic and biodynamic practices. The harvest is done by hand, with careful selection across several passes. Fermentation is carried out using native yeasts, preserving purity. The wine is aged 22–24 months in French oak barrels, a portion of which is new—used with restraint to respect the fruit and terroir character.
Serve at 16–18 °C. Pairs well with venison and juniper berries, duck breast with plum sauce, and matured beef with truffles.
Deep aromas of blueberries, dark plums, mulberries, dried flowers, pine needles and wet earth. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Structured, but polished, with peppermint and pleasantly bitter chocolate, herb and spice notes at the end. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but will be better in 2024. Wednesday, Apr 06, 2022
Château du Cèdre is one of the best and most renowned producers in the Cahors region of France, having revived the glory of red wine made from Malbec grapes. Discover natural, organic, and deeply structured wines that reflect the unique spirit of the Lot River valley.
About the Winemakers and the Estate's History
The history of Château du Cèdre began in 1958 when Charles (Charly), son of Léon Verhaeghe who hailed from Flanders, planted the first vines on his mixed farm. In 1973, he released the first wine under the estate's label. In the 1990s, his sons – oenologists Pascal and Jean-Marc – took over the management of the estate. Under their leadership, the winery became famous for its unconditional dedication to nature. Today, the third generation – Pascal's sons Jules and Robin – is actively involved in winemaking, carefully continuing the family's traditions.
Exceptional Terroir
The estate owns 27 hectares of vineyards located in the best areas of the Cahors appellation along the Lot River. The grapes are grown on two distinct soils: some vines ripen on limestone scree (locally known as "Tran"), which gives the wines extraordinary elegance and minerality. Other vines grow on ancient upper terraces formed by river alluvium, pebbles, and iron-rich sand, providing the wine with concentration, power, and richness.
Style and Winemaking Philosophy
The Verhaeghe family's goal is to reveal the full potential of the grapes using strict natural winemaking methods. Since the 1990s, the estate has applied organic farming principles, and all vineyards are officially certified. No synthetic additives are used in production: fermentation takes place only with indigenous wild yeasts, and no sulfites are added during the wine's formation. The powerful Malbec grape requires time and patience, which is why the wines are aged for a long time on fine lees in large 500-liter oak barrels and foudres. This gives Château du Cèdre wines a velvety texture, soft tannins, and immense aging potential.
