Château Ponzac, Cahors, Maintenant ou Jamais, South West, France, 2024

Producer Profile

Having extensively studied winemaking techniques, Matthieu Molinié and his wife Virginie are now dedicating their lives to the production of Cahors, creating cuvées from Malbec that reflect the diversity of the terroir and the uniqueness of their property.

Covering 28ha of prime Cahors vineyard, planted with vines averaging 25 years of age, the Ponzac wines comprise up to five cuvées – each the result of meticulous vineyard management and selection coupled with an exacting process of winemaking and blending.

Viticulture

The soils vary across the estate, with Maintenant ou Jamais sourced from marl-limestone soils, contributing to the wine's freshness and fruit-forward character. 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 fermentation process lasting 12 to 15 days at a controlled temperature of 22°C to preserve the freshness and crispness of the fruit. The wine is then aged in stainless steel tanks for 8 to 10 months, allowing the pure fruit character to shine through. 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

Château Ponzac presents a vibrant ruby-red hue. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of ripe red fruits such as strawberries and cherries, complemented by subtle floral notes. On the palate, the wine is smooth and round, with a lively acidity that enhances its freshness. Flavours of blackcurrant and a hint of violet lead to a clean, crisp finish. This wine is crafted to be enjoyed young, showcasing the vibrant and crunchy fruit character typical of Malbec from the Cahors region.

Food Matching

Roasted pork tenderloin with rosemary and garlic, Lentil and walnut salad with a tangy vinaigrette.