The tiny village of Albas (46 Lot, Midi-Pyrenees) in the Lot Valley west of Cahors flings open its cellar doors on 23 May 2009 to celebrate the local Cahors wines – “Fresh air in our cellars” or “Le bon air dans les caves” is the by-line. The local wine producers offer samples of their wines plus music, dancing, local food tasting (e.g. foie gras and local cheeses) and a banquet in the square . Follow the minor road on the south bank of the river.
Cahors AOC wines are made predominantly from the Malbec grape (locally known as Auxerrois) and although the wine has in the past tended to be a bit tough and tannic, modern techniques and approaches now produce much fruitier and more accessible styles. This would be a great opportunity to try some of these wines in a festive atmosphere – and white and rose wines (vins de pays) are also available from some producers.
One local producer known to us is Chateau Eugenie just east of the village where the Couture family produce a wide range of excellent Cahors wines, demonstrating the differences in the local terroir from the river valley to the top of the Causse (moorland)
See our archives about Cahors wines at www,frenchduck.co.uk
For more info see www.feteduvin-cahors.fr/
