Crocus, L'Atelier, AOC Cahors, France, 2021

Producer Profile

Crocus represents a quest to redefine Malbec in its birthplace, combining ancient, Old World terroir with New World vision.

When internationally recognized winemaker Paul Hobbs and fourth generation Cahors producer Bertrand Vigouroux decided to work together, they set out to offer a new interpretation of the Malbec of Cahors. Driven by their passion and expertise, the pair established Crocus to show the world how a single clone of Malbec can vary in character across three distinct terroirs and in the process create wines as special as they are individual.

Viticulture

A vineyard with plentiful sun exposure. Rock-strewn surface with two feet of red clay and iron concretions over calcareous flagstone and patches of blue clay with some vines on the banks of the Lot River on the third terrace, with sandy-clay soils formed in the Quaternary period. Poor soils with excellent drainage.

Winemaking

Traditional and long vinification. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks without barrel ageing.

Tasting Note

Inky, floral and refined with notes of plum and black cherry and sweet oak.

Food Matching

Grilled red meat or a rustic beef stew such as daube de boeuf.