Cahors Les Escures Malbec 2024 – Fabien Jouves

The fresh, vibrant side of Cahors Malbec

Les Escures offers a contemporary interpretation of Cahors, moving beyond the idea of Malbec as invariably powerful and austere. Fabien Jouves focuses on fruit, freshness and precision, highlighting the character of high-altitude vineyards and a straightforward winemaking approach.

Made from 100% Malbec, the wine comes from selected vineyard parcels in Trespoux-Rassiels, on the hills surrounding Cahors. The vines are approximately 25 years old and grow on Kimmeridgian limestone at around 350 metres above sea level. These conditions help preserve the wine’s energy and contribute to its distinctive mineral character.

Natural winemaking, with around 30 days of maceration and fermentation in concrete tanks, is followed by six months of ageing in concrete. The result is a juicy, easy-flowing red, with dark fruit, floral nuances and measured tannins.

The winemaker’s notes – Yuri Stefani

A Malbec that favours fruit and freshness over sheer concentration. The nose reveals black cherry, blackberry and violet, accompanied by a hint of spice and mineral nuances. On the palate, the fruit is juicy, the tannins are present but not intrusive, and lively freshness leads into a savoury finish reminiscent of graphite.

Versatile at the table, it can also be served slightly cool. It is an excellent match for everyday meals, while offering enough personality to appeal to anyone curious about a fresher, more contemporary expression of Cahors Malbec.

Why we chose it

Because it shows that Malbec can combine character with drinkability. Les Escures puts fruit and the identity of its soils centre stage, without relying on wood ageing that could overshadow its expression. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an authentic, fresh and food-friendly organic red.

The terroir

Les Escures comes from Cahors, in south-western France, with selected parcels in the Trespoux-Rassiels area. The vineyards sit at around 350 metres above sea level on exposed Kimmeridgian limestone.

The altitude and limestone soils help shape a distinctive expression of Malbec, where dark fruit is balanced by freshness, finesse and mineral character. It is a more approachable and immediate interpretation of the grape variety most closely associated with Cahors.

The winery

Fabien Jouves founded Mas del Périé in 2006, developing a project dedicated to expressing the different terroirs of Cahors. His philosophy is based on organic and biodynamic farming, biodiversity and low-intervention winemaking. Parcel selection and the use of different ageing vessels according to each cuvée help reveal the many facets of Malbec and its origins.

Technical details

Appellation: Cahors AOC

Producer: Fabien Jouves – Mas del Périé

Vintage: 2024

Style: Dry red wine

Grape variety: 100% Malbec

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic, AB and Demeter certified

Average vine age: Approximately 25 years

Origin: Trespoux-Rassiels, Cahors, South-West France

Elevation: Approximately 350 metres

Soil: Exposed Kimmeridgian limestone

Harvest: Hand-picked

Winemaking: Destemming, approximately 30 days of maceration and fermentation in concrete tanks

Ageing: 6 months in concrete tanks

Alcohol: 11.5% ABV

Tasting notes

Appearance: Deep ruby red with violet highlights.

Nose: Black cherry, blackberry and dark fruit, with violet and subtle spicy notes.

Palate: Juicy and lively, with ripe fruit, pronounced freshness and fine tannins. The finish is savoury and mineral, with a hint of graphite.

Food pairings

Excellent with grilled meats, gourmet burgers, sausages, roasts and roast chicken. It also pairs well with charcuterie pizza, lasagne, meat ragù and autumn dishes featuring mushrooms. Its freshness makes it a good match for cured meats and medium-aged cheeses.

Serving temperature: 17–18°C. Allow around 30 minutes of aeration before serving.