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Cot is the historical name for the red grape variety from France (especially the Cahors region), best known globally as Malbec. These berries yield incredibly dark, powerful, and firmly structured red wines. Smelling of blackberries, black plums, violets, and licorice, Cot wines are a perfect choice for those seeking an elegant, long-lived, and characterful French wine.
Read moreThis variety is highly dependent on the growing region. The French Cot style differs significantly from New World (e.g., Argentine) Malbec wines. When choosing, pay attention to the appellation.
The finest Cot wines originate from the Cahors region in Southwest France, where historically this drink was called "black wine." Here, the wines feature pronounced acidity, minerality, and very hard tannins in their youth. To soften them, top-quality Cot is usually aged extensively in oak barrels, thereby acquiring notes of tobacco, cedar, and dark chocolate. In the Loire Valley, Cot is also used to produce lighter red and fruity rosé wines.
The firm body and bright tannins demand protein-rich food. Cot wine is a classic companion to grilled beef (steaks), lamb, game, and duck confit. It perfectly withstands rich mushroom sauces and hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar or gouda.
Although it is the same grape variety, terroir (climate and soil) determines a different style. Argentine Malbec usually ripens in the sunny foothills of the Andes, resulting in wines that are very juicy, fruity (jammy), and have soft tannins. French Cot (especially from Cahors) ripens in a cooler climate, thus having more acidity, harder tannins, lower alcohol levels, and a more pronounced earthy and mineral profile.
Yes, especially if it is a young (under 5–7 years) wine from the Cahors region. Cot tannins can be extremely tight, so decanting for at least 1–2 hours will allow the wine to oxygenate, soften its texture, and open up complex spice and dark berry aromas.
