“Juveniles” is a Cahors AOC interpretation that reveals the energy and fruit expression of ‘Malbec’ without heavy extraction. With this wine, Château du Cèdre aims to show a different side of Cahors – not monumental, but lively, direct, and everyday, while preserving a clear sense of origin and a structural backbone.
The aroma is open and youthful: black cherries, plums, and blackcurrants intertwine with light floral notes and freshly ground pepper. In the glass, the fruit remains clean, without any marks of excessive ageing.
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with lively acidity and soft, polished tannins. The texture is juicy and linear, allowing the fruit to take center stage while the structure maintains balance. The finish is dry, clean, and light.
The limestone and clay soils of the Cahors area, together with the influence of the Lot River, give ‘Malbec’ grapes their natural acidity and fresh fruit profile. In the case of “Juveniles,” the voice of place is expressed through lightness and clarity, rather than concentration.
Fermentation and ageing take place in stainless steel tanks, avoiding oak influence in order to preserve primary aromas and varietal character.
Serve at 14–16 °C. Goes well with roast beef, lamb sausages, and grilled vegetables.
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.