Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the 2020 Clos la Coutale (Cahors, France) – $18.49 (regularly $21.99).
Clos la Coutale is a great terroir with know-how handed down over six generations. From the Cahors winemaking region, home of the Malbec grape, their flagship red is one of a handful of wines that has been a staple on deVine’s shelves for all 17 years of the store’s existence! – a testament to this winery’s excellence and consistency.
The 100 hectares of vines of Clos la Coutale are located in the heart of the appellation in southwestern France on alluvial soils composed of gravel and clay-limestone silica. Protected from the extreme cold with a southwest exposure, this land is particularly suitable for vine growing.
Clos La Coutale is a blend of Malbec and Merlot around 80-20, with an average yield of 45hl allowing for good maturity (one year in wood casks) and a regular quality over the years. Its meatiness and rustic aromas of coffee and ripe black fruit give this rouge a rugged appeal with fine balance between tannins and fruit. Pair with a hearty beef stew, it can even stand short-term cellaring for further improvement.
2020 Clos La Coutale Cahors (Cahors, France) – $18.49 (regularly $21.99)