Sowing History, Reaping Quality: The Triumph of Clos La Coutale

Clos La Coutale, a renowned vineyard in Cahors, carries a rich history that spans centuries. It all began with Charles, the Grandfather, who was born in 1840 and graduated from the Cahors School of Agriculture in 1860. With great ambition, he initially cultivated 7 hectares of vineyard, but tragedy struck two decades later when phylloxera decimated the entire vineyard of Cahors, including his own. The road to revival was long, and it was not until 1890 that the estate could start afresh.

Charles managed the vineyard diligently for nearly forty years, leaving behind impressive records in the account books of the time. The first bronze medal from the Paris General Competition was awarded to Clos La Coutale in 1895, a testament to its quality and excellence. This competition, which still continues today, showcased the vineyard’s commitment to agricultural prowess. However, fate dealt another blow when Charles’ son, who took over the estate, tragically perished during World War I.

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In the face of adversity, Charles’ wife and son, Ernest, courageously assumed control of the estate. They embraced polyculture and continued to work the vines with horses. Among the pioneers in the reconstruction of the Cahors vineyard, Valmi Bernède played a crucial role in expanding production, introducing bottled sales, and facilitating the transition of the Cahors appellation to AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) status in 1971.

Since 1985, Philippe Bernède has been at the helm of Clos La Coutale, overseeing the management of the 100-hectare vineyard. With an annual production of 450,000 bottles, 85% of which are exported, the estate has gained international recognition. The vineyard predominantly features the Côt or Malbec grape variety, constituting 85% of the planting. This grape, known for its round berries, thick skin, and rich color and tannin, imparts character to the wines, which possess excellent aging potential. To enhance the wine’s bouquet and soften its youthful harshness, 14% Merlot is blended with the Malbec. Additionally, 1% of the vineyard is dedicated to the Tannat grape variety, originating from the South-West region.

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Embracing sustainable practices, Clos La Coutale commenced its conversion to Organic Agriculture in 2019, emphasizing its commitment to environmental stewardship. The estate’s dedication to quality has garnered praise from esteemed sommeliers and top-tier restaurants worldwide. Serge Dubs, the best sommelier in the world in 1989, chose Clos La Coutale for his prestigious wine list at the Auberge de l’Ill. Renowned Parisian establishments such as Taillevent and Ambroisie, as well as acclaimed provincial restaurants like Aubergade, Pain Adour, and Fantaisie, have also recognized the vineyard’s excellence.

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Highlighted in esteemed wine guides such as Gault et Millau, Hubert, and Dussert-Gerbert, Clos La Coutale captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts and critics alike, earning the coveted “heart crush” distinction in the Hachette wine guide of 1989. Today, Clos La Coutale stands as a testament to the enduring passion, resilience, and pursuit of excellence that define its remarkable legacy.

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