Cosse Maisonneuve 'Le Combal', 2016

It was on school benches, while studying viticulture and oenology, that Matthieu Cosse and Catherine Maisonneuve met. Young, open-minded, and enthusiastic, they had the vision of producing a seriously good Cahors, without taking themselves too seriously. However, they both went their separate ways to practice what they had learned. 

Although not native to Cahors, they followed their dream and, fired with passion, the school friends embarked on the adventure and acquired a five-hectare vineyard, planted with old vine Malbec in the village of Prayssac near Cahors, in 1999. They intended to create a Cahors, in their very own style, not to merely copy it. This is how their journey began.

From the start, the Cosse Maisonneuve duo cared immensely for their vineyard and adopted the biodynamic principles. It was an obvious choice for them in order to respect their terroir and let it express its energy. 

Their first wine was called Les Laquets. But the following vintages saw the release of other cuvées reflecting the different terroirs on the estate.

Today their 17-hectare property predominantly planted with Malbec also includes Merlot, Gamay and Cabernet Franc. Needless to say, all vineyard tasks are strictly manual and occasionally assisted by horses. Yields are small and work in the cellar is executed with utmost precision and care.

In the last few years, the pair has refined the style of their Malbecs very distinctly. They have demonstrated that an appellation like Cahors, often wrongly denigrated for its rustic style wines, can in fact produce real gems exuding finesse, and suitable for early enjoyment.

Once partners in life, Matthieu Cosse (ex rugby man, brilliant oenologist, and wine taster extraordinaire) and Catherine Maisonneuve (one of the most visionary wine growers in France) remain partners in producing wines that are of a rare precision. From their first vintage, they achieved recognition. They have broken the rules in a region that hadn’t evolved in decades. The wine companions are pure masters at creating exceptionally magnificent Cahors; intense, pure, suave, elegant, and resplendent.