Cosse-Maisonneuve is the project of two oenologists, Matthieu Cosse and Catherine Maisonneuve. Both talented and passionate about their natural viticultural practices, the two set out together to purchase vineyards in Cahors back in 1999. Having purchased a small parcel of old vine Malbec, they quickly fell in love with producing refined and terroir driven expressions of Malbec. Cosse and Maisonneuve focus their vineyard practices on natural farming techniques; they follow organic and biodynamics methods, allow cover crops and natural flora and fauna to grow in between the vines, and keep their interaction with the vines minimal. Their Cahors Malbec vines are planted in soils full of clay, limestone and calcareous gravel—lending an incredibly soft texture and focused minerality to their Malbec that brings the estate so much praise. Recognized by critics, sommeliers and other viticulturists and winemakers in the area, Cosse and Maisonneuve have become synonymous with quality for Cahors production.

The 2011 Cahors “La Fage” from Cosse-Maisonneuve possesses a concentrated dark purple core with dark magenta hues on the rim. The aromatics are concentrated with notes aromas boysenberry, blueberry, blackberry, leather, tobacco, cacao and crushed stones. The soft, elegant palate is full of fresh blue and black fruits, such as blueberry, boysenberry, blackberry and black plum, followed by classic notes of leather, tobacco and pencil lead. This Cahors Malbec is a true delight to enjoy right now but will continue to age well for another 5-7 years at least. If drinking now, I would recommend serving this wine in Bordeaux stems at cellar temperature around 60-65 degrees.