Château Combel la Serre - Pure Fruit of the Causse 2024
Château Combel-la-Serre is one of the estates that has deeply contributed to the revival of Cahors. Located on the limestone plateaus of Cournou, in Saint-Vincent-Rive-d’Olt, the family estate is now run by Sophie and Julien Ilbert. Their work has helped to give a fresher, more digestible, and more precise image of Malbec, far from the sometimes massive or austere Cahors of the past. The vineyard rests on the limestone causse, in a ventilated and bright environment that helps preserve energy in the grapes. The property is managed organically, with strong attention paid to the soils, the right maturity, and the clarity of the terroirs. The Pure Fruit of the Causse 2024 perfectly embodies this new generation of Cahors, more direct, juicier, and more accessible. It is an immediately pleasurable red, but built with the seriousness of a true terroir wine.
The Pure Fruit of the Causse 2024 cuvée is made exclusively from Côt Noir, the local name for Malbec. The grapes come from the limestone causse, between 320 and 350 meters altitude, on mainly clay-limestone soils. These soils bring freshness, mineral tension, and a more slender expression of the grape variety to the wine. The average age of the vines, around 30 years, allows for ripe, clean, and sufficiently structured fruit without seeking massive extraction. The vinification is based on a short maceration of about fifteen days, designed to preserve the fruit's brightness and the softness of the tannins. Aging in stainless steel and cement tanks preserves the aromatic purity of Malbec, without any woody intervention that would weigh down the whole. The 2024 vintage thus delivers a modern, frank, and very drinkable Cahors, where fruit takes precedence over power.
In the glass, Château Combel-la-Serre Pure Fruit of the Causse 2024 reveals a deep, shiny red robe with violet reflections. The nose opens on fresh blackberry, black cherry, violet, and small red fruits, with a slightly spicy touch. The palate is supple, juicy, and very expressive, carried by crunchy fruit and immediate freshness. The tannins remain fine, discreet, and accessible, making the tasting particularly pleasant from youth. The finish maintains a beautiful energy, with notes of black fruits, sweet pepper, and a slightly mineral sensation. This Cahors can be served slightly chilled, around 15 to 16°C, to enhance its thirst-quenching and gourmand side. It will perfectly accompany a charcuterie board, roasted poultry, grilled dishes, a quality burger, simple and generous Southwest cuisine, or a cheese with character.
Grape variety: 100% Côt Noir (Malbec)
