The Cahors vineyards have been famous for their full red wines since the 13th-century. Today the growers are making wines in the traditional old style and also in a fruitier lighter idiom, more adapted to contemporary taste. Whether you're 'old' or 'new school', you'll find your tastes are catered for. Other wines of the region are less well known in Britain, mainly because of their small production; but do not hesitate to try the very high quality AOC (Appellation d'Origine Controlée) wines of Entraygues-le-Fel, Estaing, Marcillac, Coteaux du Quercy, or Vins de Buzet, or Côtes du Marmandais, not forgetting the Vins de Pays du Lot. See our Holiday Suggestions below.

Cahors: Pope John XXII, François I, Tsar Peter the Great and Georges Pompidou all enjoyed Cahors, a favourite since medieval times.

Phylloxera struck (1878-1885), then the terrible frosts of 1956, but hard work and the determination to produce wines of quality have brought Cahors back into the limelight.

One of the oldest vineyards in France, Cahors was elevated to AOC status in 1971. Today, 4,200 hectares of vineyards now extend around medieval Cahors city, on both sides of the Lot River.

The dominant grape is the high-tannin red, Auxerrois (also known as Cot or Malbec in Bordeaux) that, by appellation law, must make up at least 70 percent of the blend. Some producers rely on Merlot to soften the wine, while others include red Tannat from nearby Madiran to add more bite.

Deep red and spicy, Cahors wines are the perfect accompaniment to wild game and truffles, duck, goose, and dishes based on mushrooms. The lighter wines can be drunk young, but the bigger Cahors will age well for many years. Recent recommended vintages are: 2001, 2000, 1998 and 1995.

Coteaux du Quercy: This vineyard (granted VDQS status in 1999) lies to the south of Cahors in what is called Quercy Blanc on account of the high chalk content in the soil. The principal grape variety is cabernet franc, supported by merlot, cabernet sauvignon and malbec. The wines are fruity, sometimes modern in style and have a gutsy rustic charm.

Vins de Pays du Lot Wines: These vins de pays don't try and compete with the local stars. Nor need they. White, red or rosé, these unassuming and affordable bottles are delicious on a summer's evening. Try them at local restaurants and take some bottles home.

Marcillac: The 150 hectares of Marcillac vineyards are situated on the steep, red-soil hillsides between Rodez and the Lot River. Granted AOC status in 1970, the grape variety is Fer Servadou (also known as Mansois). The monks of the nearby Conques Abbey first planted the Fer Servadou grape in Marcillac's clay soils in medieval times. The wines are said to be good for the heart.

Estaing and Entraygues-le-Fel: Neighbouring vineyards located about 50km north of Rodez in the heart of the Valley of the Lot. Both are up-and-coming VDQS (Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure), thriving on the granite soils and near-Mediterranean climate, freshened by the cooler mountainous winds from the nearby Massif Central. The grapes for the velvety reds and gentler rosés are the Fer Servadou, Gamay, Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon. The dry but fruity white wines are composed principally of Chenin and Mauzac.

Buzet: These red (85%), white and rosé wines produced in the Lot-et-Garonne department on the left bank of the River Garonne won their AOC in 1973. Known for their ability to improve with age, the rather plummy reds are made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sauvignon, Muscadet and Sémillon are used for the whites. The grapes thrive on the clay and limestone, gritty soil. The Buzet vineyards stretch between Agen and Marmande, originally tended by monks, then developed by Agen's winegrowers.

Côtes du Marmandais: Marmande is almost as famous for its wines as its tomatoes. Both are exclusively red, fruity, flavoursome and moreish. Both have that extra something which others don't share. In the case of Marmande wines, it is a rare and rustic grape called “ abouriou ” which is used to give spice and character to the more usual Bordeaux grapes, such as merlot and cabernet. As well as the excellent Cooperative at Cocumont, there are a handful of really fine independents such as Domaine Elian da Ros and Château de Beaulieu.

Price (2006): 3-days/2-nights full-board (bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner): 165€ per person (sharing double room).
Availability: from 06-08 Oct, and from 13-15 Oct 2006
Booking reference: AYTVEND
To find out more and to book:
Loisirs Accueil Aveyron
Tel: +33 (0)5 65 75 55 50
Email: sla.aveyron@wanadoo.fr

Web: www.reservation-aveyron.com

Cahors wines have been famous since ancient times. The vineyard covers 4,250 hectares and was granted its AOC status in 1971. Vines cover the terraced slopes as far as the eye can see.

Your very comfortable B&B ( rating) is an authentic winery on the banks of the Lot, upstream of Luzech; it stands in its own park, surrounded by vines and walnut trees, with its own cellars and tasting rooms (local produce and the domaine's wines). It is ideally located for exploring the vineyard and its many picturesque little towns and villages - Cahors itself, Douelle, Parnac, Luzech, Albas, Puy L'Evêque, Bonaguil, etc. There are four guest rooms in all on the 2nd floor, each with ensuite facilities. Breakfast is served in the communal dining room. Facilities for guests include a sitting area with TV, library, shaded park and garden and picnic area on the banks of the Lot.

Available: from 01 November 2005 to 31 October 2006; minimum 2 persons/maximum 10.
Booking reference: LLCHPARN
Price per person (sharing room) for 3-day/2-night stay (bed & breakfast) in the “Auxerrois” room: 70€; 3rd night at 35€. The Auxerrois room has a double bed (160cm), ensuite shower room and separate WC.
The price includes: a touring map of the Cahors vineyard; the ‘Passeport pour le Lot' book of vouchers entitling you to reductions at many sites.
The price does not include: meals; holiday tax; optional travel insurance including cancellation (2% of total cost of your booking). Booking fee (8€ for up to 3 nights; 15€ for 4 nights or more).
Price per 3rd/4th person sharing room: 10€ per person per night b&b (using spare/folding bed).

To find out more and to book:
Loisirs Accueil Lot
Tel: +33 (0)5 65 53 20 90
Email: Loisirs.accueil.lot@wanadoo.fr

Web: www.reservation-lot.com

Christine and Jean-Philippe always extend a warm and friendly welcome to guests at their home, an 18thC former winegrowers’ property, classified as a chambre d’hôtes (French-style B&B). Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool with solarium, a shady park with centuries-old cedars, palm trees and magnolias, orchard and kitchen garden; a large terrace overlooking the vineyard and slopes, with Bélaye village as backdrop. Your hosts are both wine enthusiasts. You are here in the heart of the Lot Valley and Cahors vineyards. On the ground floor there is a lounge with fireplace, a relaxation area (jacuzzi, sauna and Scandinavian shower), and the owners’ vaulted wine cellar; on the first floor, the large dining room with fireplace where you can savour Christine’s excellent cuisine, based on local and other regional specialities too (your hosts are from Alsace). This is an excellent spot from which to visit Bonaguil Castle, the bastide towns, Puy-l’Évêque, Cahors, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Rocamadour, etc. Pets are not accepted.

Accommodation:
The five, evocatively named guest rooms are non-smoking, and are arranged as follows:
• Cahors (32m²) - on ground floor: one double bed (160cm) and private terrace
• Belle Epoque (39m²) - 1st floor: suite, with a four-poster bed (160cm) and two 90cm single beds in the boudoir
• Côté Jardin (41m²) - suite on ground floor: large room with canopy double-bed (160cm), boudoir, private terrace, and large sitting room with armchairs and sofa bed which converts into two 90cm single beds
• Le Pigeonnier (31m²) - suite on 2nd floor: air-conditioned, canopy double-bed (160cm) and two 90cm single beds in the sitting area; great views over the park and vineyard.

.• Coté Gamot (24m²) - 2nd floor: one double bed (160cm), air-conditioned.

All rooms have en-suite facilities with bath, shower, double wash-hand basins, toilet, hair-dryer, heated towel rail, bathrobes and towelling slippers.

Available: from 01 Jan to 31 Dec 2006; minimum 2 persons.
Booking reference: LLCHPRAY
Price per person (sharing double room): 2 nights bed & breakfast in double room: 145 Euros
The price includes: your 2-night stay in double room, with breakfast included. Free use of the outdoor swimming pool and relaxation area (towelling robes and slippers are provided). Free use of the two cycles and two mountain-bikes. The ‘Passeport pour le Lot’ book of vouchers entitling you to reductions at many sites.
The price does not include: Meals. Booking fee (8 Euros for stay of up to 3 nights; 15 Euros for stays of 4 or more nights). Optional travel insurance including cancellation (2% of total cost of your booking)
Supplementary costs - per person per night (sharing double room):
Dinner including drinks (must be booked in advance): 34.5 Euros. Single room supplement: 67.50 Euros.

Extra night bed & breakfast: 72.50 Euros.

3rd or 4th person sharing your room: 25 Euros bed & breakfast; 59.5 Euros half-board.

To find out more and to book:
Loisirs Accueil Lot
Tel: +33 (0)5 65 53 20 90
Email: Loisirs.accueil.lot@wanadoo.fr

Web: www.reservation-lot.com

For details click here

Food and Wine: Good food | Recipes | Shopping

© The Hat Factory, Destination Branding