Coteaux du Quercy: the wine of Quercy Blanc celebrates 15 years as an AOC

Between Cahors and Montauban, on the limestone hills of Quercy Blanc, grows a wine that is still discreet but full of character: Coteaux du Quercy. Its protected designation of origin was approved by decree on 26 October 2011. It is therefore celebrating its 15th birthday these days, a fine opportunity to meet its winemakers.

A vineyard spanning two departments

The appellation covers the south of the Lot and the north of Tarn-et-Garonne, around villages such as Castelnau-Montratier, Montcuq, Flaugnac, Lascabanes and Montpezat-de-Quercy. The vines grow on three types of land: molasse slopes with clay and limestone soils, limestone plateaus to the north and alluvial terraces to the south. The Atlantic climate has continental and Mediterranean touches, and the warm, dry Autan wind blows at times in spring and autumn.

Cabernet franc in the spotlight

The signature of Coteaux du Quercy is cabernet franc, the main grape and the majority in every bottle. It is blended with merlot, cot (malbec, king of the neighbouring Cahors vineyard), tannat and gamay. The appellation covers two colours:

• red, full and structured, blended from at least three grapes;
• rosé, fresh and fruity, ideal as an aperitif.

The reds take their time: they are aged throughout the winter and reach wine shops from 1 March following the harvest. With a slow-cooked dish, a daube or duck confit, they naturally find their place on autumn and winter tables.

A thousand years of history

Vines took off in Quercy from the 10th century, on abbey lands. In the 13th century, village charters already mentioned them, and the charter of Saint-Cyprien, in 1224, even set a fine for anyone diluting their wine with water. Around 1850, Quercy had about 40,000 hectares of vines, among the largest in France, before phylloxera ravaged it from 1876.

The revival came from the winemakers themselves. They founded their union in 1975, gained recognition as a superior quality wine (VDQS) in 1999, then the AOC in 2011. A fine reward for this patient terroir.

Where to taste

• Cave des Vignerons du Quercy, 4555 route de Paris, Montpezat-de-Quercy: a human-sized cooperative bringing together around twenty producers, some organic, on 125 hectares of vines. Shop open Monday to Saturday, morning and afternoon.
• Domaine de Cauquelle, in Flaugnac: a 25-hectare family estate run by the fifth generation. Tour of the estate by appointment, with a walk in the vines and a tasting of six wines (from 15 €).
• The Coteaux du Quercy Wine Festival: every year it brings together the appellation's winemakers, alternating between Montpezat-de-Quercy and Castelnau-Montratier, with tastings, entertainment and a concert.

Our tip

For an autumn visit, call the estate the day before: the winemakers, less busy after the harvest, gladly take time to explain their work. Make the most of it to put together a few cases for the end-of-year holidays, then extend the day with a stroll through the bastide of Castelnau-Montratier, or lunch on the square in Montcuq. And remember that alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health: please drink responsibly.

The Coteaux du Quercy vineyards begin a few minutes from Louroca, our holiday home in Barguelonne-en-Quercy.