Our high-altitude terroir (350 metres) is predominantly clay-limestone. However, since 2004, within our vineyard according to the terroir and the climate on the different slopes of our estate we have been carrying out a micro-plot selection. The aim is to distinguish more precisely our different types of geological soil, and then to vinify our wines according to this differentiation.

Several terroirs have been identified:
- SIDEROLITHIC CLAY-LIMESTONE Strong presence of iron from the Tertiary period (-50 million years)
- KIMMERIDGIAN CLAY-LIMESTONE Presence of fossils from the Jurassic period (-150 million years)
- STAMPIAN CLAY-LIMESTONE Presence of white or grey marlstone, resulting from the erosion of lacustrine (lake) limestone (-25 million years).

KIMMERIDGIAN CLAY-LIMESTONE

In the Clos area, we have another dominant type of terroir. It is the ‘Kimmeridgian’ clay-limestone terroir. Coming from marine sediments charged with iodine, this geological level is very rare in France. It is found, in the north of Burgundy in Chablis particularly. It brings to our wine freshness, vivacity, minerality (a chalky note) and salinity.

STAMPIAN CLAY-LIMESTONE

Outside the Clos, we have a few ‘satellites’, five hectares (12 acres) in all, characterised by Stampian clay-limestone terroirs and located in the ‘Quercy Blanc’. These plots are destined for the production of our white wines (Chenin, Sauvignon, Viognier and Chardonnay); round, dominated by minerality and very expressive. We also produce on these plots our limited editions of red wines (Cabernet Franc, Jurançon noir, Gamay, Merlot, Malbec); thirst-quenching, light, fruit-filled wines. The white grape varieties were planted in 2004 when Emmanuel arrived on the estate.

SIDEROLITHIC CLAY-LIMESTONE

The Siderolithic clay-limestone terroir is the most abundant in our vineyard. It is located in the Clos area, a small hill situated within the village of Villesèque, covering 14 non-segmented hectares (35 acres). It is rare in our territory, representing only a maximum of 7% of the Cahors appellation. This terroir is composed of different concentrations of iron. These concentrations, known as ferruginous concretions, have enabled us to delimit very different plots. Each plot corresponds to a vintage (cuvée). This ferruginous element gives our appellation wines very airy profiles, minerality, elegance and delicacy.

Our historic Malbec grape variety has been planted on this land, Merlot and Tannat varieties have also been planted, and authorised to be vinified as an ‘accessory’ grape variety within the Cahors appellation. Since 2008, we have also planted on a north-facing plot of the Clos the Chenin grape variety. These vines will not produce the Cahors PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), because the white wines do not benefit from the designation (AOC – Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée).