Château de Rouffiac, L’Ephémère Cahors 2022

Château de Rouffiac L’Ephémère Cahors 2022 is a characterful Malbec made from old vines in the historic heartland of the variety. Hand-harvested and fermented without added sulphites, it combines the depth expected from Cahors with an elegant, naturally expressive style. The estate’s vineyards were first planted in 1971, the same year the Cahors appellation was established.

Tasting Notes
Deep and richly coloured in the glass, this full-bodied red opens with generous aromas of ripe plum, blackberry and blackcurrant, followed by notes of cinnamon, pepper, cocoa and forest floor. The palate is concentrated yet refined, balancing dark-fruit richness with savoury depth and a supple texture. Ageing in large, used oak casks softens the wine without masking its fruit, resulting in a polished, harmonious finish. It is enjoyable now for its vibrant fruit and smoothness, while careful cellaring over the next few years should allow its spice and earthy complexity to develop further.

Production
The old Malbec vines are planted on the right bank of the Lot, primarily on south-facing sites in the western part of Cahors, around Duravel and Puy-l’Évêque. The estate’s clay-limestone soils, varied elevations, abundant sunshine and proximity to the river create favourable conditions for ripe, structured fruit. The grapes are hand-picked and fermented in concrete tanks without added sulphites, then matured for 10–12 months in large, used oak casks. Only a minimal amount of sulphite is added after fermentation, well below organic-farming limits, to preserve the wine while maintaining its natural character.

Food & Serving
Serve at around 16–18°C, giving the wine a little time to open in the glass. It is a natural match for roast lamb, duck, beef stew, grilled meats and rich mushroom dishes, as well as regional specialities such as cassoulet or a hearty lentil dish. Decanting for 30–60 minutes is recommended when serving young, particularly if the wine initially appears closed or shows its savoury, earthy side more prominently.

Producer
Château de Rouffiac is situated in the Lot river basin in the Occitanie region of southwest France, within the Cahors appellation widely regarded as the birthplace of Malbec. Its vineyards are spread across the appellation’s distinctive terroirs on the Lot’s right bank, benefiting from varied soils, elevations and exposures. Winemaker Stéphane Revel and his team follow a highly sustainable approach, working as organically as possible and using minimal additions. Their sulphite-free fermentations are designed to let the fruit express itself clearly, while careful post-fermentation protection helps the wines remain stable and rewarding over time.

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