The Filhol family has lived in Vire-sur-Lot for 5 generations and has always cultivated wine. It has profited from the expansion oh Cahors's wine to give rise to the Château de Hauterive which it runs.
The latest generation, Gilles and Dominique have been at the head of the business since 1984, when Gilles obtained his diploma of school of Viticuluture and Oenologie of the Tour Blanche. With his father he started a family firm, being by his brother two years later, after Dominique has completed a diploma in arboriculture. Their objectives are to produce Cahors wine which is at the same time authentic and modern.
The Château de Hauterive covers an area of 20 hectares and extends over the second and third terraces of the Lot valley in Vire sur Lot, the most wine-growing commune of the appellation and renowned for the quality and notoriety of its wines. The vines are cultivated with a constant concern for the respect of the environment by practicing a reasoned culture. The soils of various and complementary nature of clay-gravel and clayey-limestone type enjoy a favourable exposure.
Psychologists probably love Malbec because it is the perfect candidate for a nature vs. nurture case study. In France, where Malbec originated (nature), it often struggles to ripen and is given less attention than its more famous counterparts who hold more prestige and a higher price tag than Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Bordeaux.
But in Argentina, Malbec is treated like a king and is given the best plots of land where it can relish in sun-drenched vineyards (nurture) allowing it to produce wines of a distinct deep purple hue that burst with dark and bramble fruit flavours, violet, peppery spice and vanilla. Amazing what a little TLC can do for a grape's success.
From a sustainable vineyard grown on a mixture of gravel and limestone, this Malbec is super impressive. Not as rich or dense as its Argentine cousins, but fresh and spicy, with it's own unique character. Lots of red and black fruit at play here, with silky tannins and a hint of violet rounding out the picture.
Finding a great French Malbec like this one from the time-honoured Chateau de Hautrives is always exciting - we’re so used to New World versions of this grape varietal, finding the original version allows real insight into the proud history of this beloved grape. This boisterous red wine is also a real crowd-pleaser when it comes to food, too - we reckon it’s going to pair beautifully with sirloin steaks, herb-crusted lamb, hard and tangy cheeses, and grilled and roasted mediterranean vegetables cooked with herbs de Provence.
Intense color with purple reflections. The ripe, powerful nose exhibits aromas filled with red fruits mixed with spicy and toasted notes. The mouth reveals a rich wine with a beautiful complexity. A wine to keep par excellence.
Culinary Recommendation: To serve 18 C. Good match with tasty meats, legs of lamb and other game (wood pigeon, roe deer, wild boar…).
