Château Ponzac, Cahors, Les Perrieres, South West, France, 2020

Producer Profile

Matthieu Molinié and his wife Virginie having studied winemaking techniques are dedicating their lives to the production of Cahors, making it their life's work, creating cuvées from Malbec and reflecting the diversity of their terroir and the uniqueness of their property.

Covering 28 hectares of vineyards in prime Cahors territory, with vines averaging 25 years, the Ponzac wines are made up of five cuvée, each a result of meticulous vineyard management and selection and an exacting process of winemaking and blending.

Viticulture

The estate's vineyards are located on the Cahors plateau, benefiting from cool nights that help preserve acidity and freshness in the grapes. The soils vary across the estate, with Les Perrières sourced from pebbly clayey soils, contributing to the wine's structure and depth. Since 2018, the vineyard has been managed organically, focusing on sustainable practices to preserve biodiversity and soil health.

Winemaking

After manual harvesting, the grapes undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration to extract color and aromas. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats, followed by a 28-day maceration period. The wine is then aged for 12 months in 100% new French oak barrels, imparting additional complexity and structure. The winemaking process is overseen by Matthieu and Virginie Molinié, with assistance from Pascal Verhaeghe of Château du Cèdre, ensuring precision and quality in every step

Tasting Note

The wine opens with an inviting and flattering bouquet of vibrant red fruits—think ripe cherries, raspberries, and subtle hints of wild strawberries—drawing you in with its fresh and expressive aromatics. On the palate, it unfolds gracefully, revealing a long and rounded structure that is both layered and intricate. The tannins are soft and well-integrated, providing a gentle grip without overpowering, allowing the wine’s natural finesse and elegance to shine through. This Malbec balances richness with subtlety, delivering a refined experience marked by complexity and a polished finish that lingers delicately.

Food Matching

Grilled or roasted meats such as lamb, beef, or duck.