Les Ailes De Mercues 2020

Les Ailes de Mercuès is the second wine of Château de Mercuès, an estate with a rich history as the summer residence of the Bishops and Counts of Cahors since the Middle Ages. The château is located in the Cahors appellation, in the Lot Valley of southwest France, an area famed for its Malbec-based wines. The vineyard spans 36 hectares, planted on ancient alluvial soils from the Mindel era, with a mix of clay and silica that enhances the wine's depth and structure.

This wine is a blend of 85% Malbec and 15% Merlot, a classic Cahors combination that balances power and elegance. Malbec provides structure, dark fruit, and velvety tannins, while Merlot softens the blend, adding roundness and approachability. The 2020 vintage is considered a "solar" year, producing rich, concentrated wines with excellent ageing potential.

The wine was aged for 12 months in stainless steel tanks, preserving its fresh fruit character and purity. It then spent an additional six months in bottle before release, allowing the flavours to harmonise and the tannins to soften. The vineyard benefits from high-density planting (up to 6,666 vines per hectare), ensuring low yields and high concentration in the final wine.

In the glass presents a deep, rich red colour. The nose is complex and expressive, with aromas of ripe red fruits, blackberries, and plums, complemented by peppery and spicy notes. On the palate, the wine is smooth and velvety, with well-integrated tannins and a beautifully balanced structure. The finish is long and refined, showcasing both freshness and depth, making it an elegant yet approachable expression of Cahors Malbec.

This red wine pairs beautifully with grilled or slow-cooked meats, such as duck confit, beef stew, or roasted lamb. It also complements hard cheeses like Cantal or aged Comté, as well as spiced dishes that enhance its dark fruit and spice profile. Serve at 16–18°C and decant for 30 minutes before drinking.