Red dry
This wine is named in honor of the family and reflects the Château du Cèdre philosophy: less intervention, more fruit, a clearer voice of terroir, and greater pleasure without heaviness.
The aroma is open and fruit-driven, with black cherries, blackberries, and plums interwoven with hints of fresh herbs, gentle pepper, and subtle earthiness. This is not a concentrated, extracted style, but a clean, vibrant Malbec where pure fruit expression takes center stage.
On the palate, the wine is juicy and medium-bodied, with soft, lightly polished tannins and a naturally fresh acidity. Flavors are led by dark berries, delicate spice, and a light mineral thread that adds structure without weight. The finish is clean and dry, inviting another sip.
The grapes grow on limestone and clay soils around Cahors, yet Marcel is deliberately crafted as a freer style wine, released from strict appellation rules. This approach allows the wine to preserve fruit purity and youthful energy.
The harvest is done by hand, fermentation takes place with native yeasts, and ageing is carried out in neutral vessels so as not to overshadow the fruit or terroir character. The result is a lighter, modern, and expressive Malbec, perfect both for everyday meals and relaxed, unpretentious enjoyment.
Serve at 14–16 °C. It pairs well with roast chicken with herbs, grilled pork neck, and pasta with tomato and roasted vegetable sauce.
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.