Château Ponzac, Château Ponzac Cahors, 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

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 Château Ponzac sourced from marl-limestone 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 colour 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 a combination of concrete, stainless steel, and oak barrels, allowing for the development of complexity and integration of flavours. 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 domaines signature wine, the nose is expressive, offering aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and subtle hints of graphite and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a rich texture, balanced by firm tannins and a refreshing acidity. Flavours of dark fruits, cocoa, and a touch of earthiness lead to a long, persistent finish. This wine showcases the depth and structure typical of Cahors Malbec, with the potential to age gracefully over the next 10 to 15 years.

Food Matching

Roasted game meats like venison or wild boar, Grilled aubergine and bell peppers with herbs.