Vineyards and winemaking
Château Pineraie 2020 is a blend of 85% Malbec—known locally as Côt—and 15% Merlot. The fruit comes from 30-year-old vines on the Lot's second terraces, with limestone subsoil and ancient alluvium, together with a smaller proportion from the stony, clay-rich limestone causse.
The grapes are strictly sorted before fermentation at controlled temperature, followed by two to three weeks of skin maceration with regular pumping over. Approximately 75% of the wine matures in stainless steel and up to 25% in seasoned French oak barrels for six months, retaining dark fruit while adding measured spice.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep ruby-purple with a dense core and bright violet edge.
Nose
Black cherry and cassis are layered with blueberry, liquorice, cedar and a touch of cracked pepper.
Palate
Full and characterful, with ripe dark fruit framed by Cahors' distinctive chalky tannins and fresh acidity. Merlot softens the centre, while restrained oak brings cocoa and spice before a firm, savoury finish.
Food pairing
Pair with roast pork and peppercorn sauce, grilled lamb chops, steak and kidney pie, or mature Cantal. A short decant will help the fruit and tannins settle into balance; serve at around 17°C.
Background story
The Burc family has deep roots around Cahors, with records of family landholding reaching back to the fifteenth century. Château Pineraie brings that heritage into a modern estate focused on Malbec, the historic black grape of the Lot Valley.
By blending a small amount of Merlot and limiting oak to part of the cuvée, the 2020 favours accessibility without losing Cahors' structure. The result is recognisably south-western French: dark-fruited, savoury and built for the table.
