Our terroir
The Lot Valley, a wide range of terroirs for exceptional wines
THE SOILS OF CAHORS
THE CAHORS VINEYARDS ARE SPREAD OVER 3 TERRACES, DEPENDING ON THEIR ALTITUDE IN RELATION TO THE RIVER LOT. THERE ARE ALSO VINES ON THE PLATEAU.
Château de Rouffiac is fortunate to grow vines on all these sites and to benefit from their unique characteristics.
Siderolithic soils
This unique soil type is made up of clay, limestone and iron-rich rocks, allowing the vines to thrive in a warm, sunny climate. The limestone acts as a natural filter, allowing the vines to absorb essential minerals and nutrients from the soil , while the iron-rich rocks add a unique minerality to the grapes.
Clay-limestone soils
Clay-limestone soils are renowned for their ability to retain water, ensuring a steady supply of water for the vines. They also provide good drainage, encouraging root development and limiting the risk of grape rot . Limestone soils provide essential minerals that are reflected in the wines produced.
OUR VINES
Our vines are located in the western part of the Cahors appellation, in the communes of Duravel and Puy-l'Evêque in the Lot department of the Occitanie region.
Our vines are spread across the different soil types of the appellation and are all on the right bank of the Lot, with a predominantly southern exposure. Our terroir combines the advantages of clay-limestone soils, optimum sun exposure, varied altitudes and proximity to the river, creating ideal conditions for producing great wines.
The causse
Rouffiac and Gipoulou localities
These vines are located on the heights of the valley at an altitude of around 240 metres, on a vein of siderolithic soil, a shallow red sandy-clay soil laden with iron ore, on a limestone subsoil. This particular soil composition adds nuance and finesse to the wines. These vineyards benefit from optimum exposure to the sun, which encourages the grapes to ripen well, giving the wines greater concentration. In addition, the plateau offers protection against late frosts and is fairly exposed to the wind, which tends to dry out the vines after rainfall, creating a healthy micro-atmosphere.
3rd terrasse
Audhuy locality
This vineyard is located on the upper slopes at an altitude of 120 metres. This altitude favours the freshness of the wines produced. It also helps to maintain a balanced natural acidity in the grapes, giving the wines a harmonious structure. The clay-limestone soils are derived from scree on the plateau and offer a balance between water retention and good drainage.
1st terrasse
Pont de la Croze and Cayrou localities
These vineyards are located on the 1st terrace, almost level with the river Lot, which flows 70 metres above sea level. The sandy-loam soils, derived from alluvial deposits, are rich in nutrients and the proximity of the river contributes to a lovely fruity expression in the wines. The Malbec we grow here is generally used in our rosé wines.
2nd terrasse
Ségala, Le Port, Lamothe, Le Carry localities
These localities are located on the 2nd terrace at an altitude of 90-100m, characterised by clay-loam sand soils with little limestone derived from ancient alluvial deposits of the Lot. These soils are fairly well structured and have good water retention capacity, which is beneficial for the vines during the dry summers. In some localities, such as Cayrou, there are also limestone pebbles all the way to the surface.