Crocus Malbec De Cahors L'Atelier

Crocus Malbec De Cahors L'Atelier comes from the birthplace of Malbec—Cahors in southwest France, where the grape is known locally as Côt and produces wines with a structure and mineral edge rarely found in New World bottlings. This is a single-vineyard expression from limestone-rich soils along the Lot River, vinified in small lots to preserve fruit clarity and a sense of place that Lincoln Park drinkers looking for Old World Malbec will recognize immediately. The Crocus estate farms organically on Kimmeridgian limestone terraces, hand-harvesting fruit at optimal ripeness to balance concentration with natural acidity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel to maintain the purity of the fruit, followed by a brief elevage in neutral oak that adds texture without masking the vivid blackcurrant and elderberry character. The result is a contemporary take on Cahors that honors tradition while leaning into freshness rather than the tannic grip of older-generation vin noir styles. The palate delivers bright mulberry, gooseberry, and strawberry layered over a core of blackcurrant, with smooth tannins and a flicker of white pepper on the finish. The wine's lively acidity makes it versatile at the table—pair it with duck confit, grilled sausages with lentils, or a mushroom and gruyère tart to echo the wine's earthy undertones. It's equally at home alongside a weeknight burger or a cheese board featuring aged Comté and Roquefort. Available for pickup at our Lincoln Park bottle shop at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.