Chateau Vincens L'Instant Malbec 2011
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Chateau Vincens, owned and managed by the young and dynamic Philippe Vincens, has quickly become a leader in Cahors thanks in large part due to their viticultural practices as well as the location of their vineyards on the plateau above the Lot river valley. The winds are so strong at these higher elevations that the vines remain quite dry and don’t suffer from the mold and rot issues that vines further down the hillsides are subjected to. Grown on chalky clay soils over Kimmeridgian limestone bedrock and relying almost entirely on Malbec, one would think that the wines of Chateau Vincens would be old-fashioned, backward and overly tannic but by some magic Philippe has managed to make wines that are lush, pure examples of Malbec that still smell and taste like the soil of France. Totaling close to 40 hectares in size, the vineyards of Chateau Vincens are planted in harmony with the landscape to take advantage of the prevailing winds while preventing erosion of their soils. The ground between their vine rows alternates between tilled soil and grass which retains water and heat, but leaches nutrients – one of the many sustainable farming practices employed at the estate. Fermentation are in tank and aging takes place in concrete or French oak barrels.
Setting the standards for red wine production worldwide, France holds rank as the source of the world’s most popular red grape varieties. Famous for their elegance, grace and longevity, the red wines of France come in a variety of styles.
Burgundy claims some of the most desirable vineyard real estate on the planet and remains a source of the world’s most coveted Pinot noir. A powerhouse producer of red wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Bordeaux sits on France’s western side, separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a coastal pine forest. The region’s mild, maritime climate and gravel-heavy soils are perfect for the production of highly structured, cellar-worthy red wines. In the south, the long and narrow Rhône River Valley produces full-bodied, flavorful reds. Syrah makes its home in the Northern Rhône where a continental climate and steep hillside vineyards create some of the best in the world. Southern Rhône’s Grenache-based blends easily charm most any wine enthusiast. For those after a more delicate red, the Loire Valley’s Cabernet Franc maintains a loyal line of followers.