Malbec is the original grape variety in Cahors, and its marvellous characteristics are used in 70% blends with other varieties in our designation of origin. The vineyards are situated along the Lot River on its meanders and slopes, which serve as a thermal regulator, on pebbly and gravelly soil. Located between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, rainfall and humidity levels are optimal for the quality of the vines.
Georges Vigouroux’s top priority when he bought Château de Mercuès in 1983 was to restructure the vineyard, chiefly on the surrounding gravely hillocks in the communes of Caillac and Mercuès. The plots he acquired were replanted and the chai was built under the château gardens. The particularity of Château de Mercuès is its viticultural method, which was used in the last century before phylloxera – significantly increasing the planting density.
The history of Cahors vineyards begins in Roman times, and we know that black wine was drunk at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England in 1152. In 1865 all the vineyards were destroyed by phylloxera, although winemaking continued with hybrids that lacked the quality of the original wines. It has taken decades for the renewed ‘cépage’ to be finally adopted. Improvements were begun in the 1970s, and huge efforts have been made to improve our wines. Today our ‘terroir’ and work is finally recognised. It is a true rebirth of Cahors wines.
Most plantations in the Cahors Appellation have an average density of 4,000 vines per hectare, but at Château de Mercuès, the plantation density reaches 6,666 vines per hectare for half of the vineyard, as high as for the great Medoc wines. This is particularly favourable for the Malbec grape, which has been grown in Cahors for more than 2,000 years. It reduces yield per stock and increases the quality of the wine, giving it a very high concentration and ageing potential.
Château de Mercuès offers the ultimate wine experience in a beautiful setting, with a majestic underground cellar at its heart in the style of a Romano-Byzantine cathedral. The cellar, well equipped for vindication and storage, has been compared with that of Château Lafitte, which is like a Greek temple.
