In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: blackberry, violet, fresh tobacco, iron

Palate: dark plum, fine tannin, graphite, savoury length

Cot (the Loire's name for Malbec) from ungrafted pre-phylloxera-style vines on sand soils. Dark-fruited, structured Touraine Cot with iron-mineral grip distinct from Cahors.

What it pairs with

  • Cassoulet de Touraine
    Bean-and-duck stew and the wine's iron-and-tobacco register align.
  • Magret de canard with fig sauce
    Duck breast and the wine's dark-fruit and graphite spine are mutually flattering.
  • Roast beef with peppercorn sauce
    Pepper and the wine's tannic grip cut through the fat.

History

Cot Vinifera is one of Marionnet's ungrafted varietal experiments, bottling Cot (Malbec) from pre-phylloxera-style vines on sand soils. The wine sits between Touraine Cot and Cahors in style.

  1. 1995 — First vintage of ungrafted Cot Vinifera

Facts

Producer
Domaine Henry Marionnet
Grapes
Cot (100%)
Classification
Touraine AOC
Oak
12 months in old oak demi-muids, no new oak
ABV
13.5%
Price
EUR 22 to 32 at retail
Drinking window
5 to 18 from vintage
First vintage
1995
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Scores

  • Vinous 90 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)

Frequently asked about Cot Vinifera

What does Cot Vinifera taste like?

Blackberry, violet, fresh tobacco and iron on the nose; dark plum, fine tannin, graphite and savoury length on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity, long finish.

When should I drink Cot Vinifera?

Drink between 5 and 18 years from vintage. Decant 45 to 60 minutes for young vintages.

What food pairs with Cot Vinifera?

Cassoulet de Touraine, magret de canard with fig sauce, and roast beef with peppercorn sauce are all strong matches.

What grapes are in Cot Vinifera?

100 percent Cot (the Loire's name for Malbec), from ungrafted pre-phylloxera-style vines on sand soils at Domaine de la Charmoise.

Tags

← Back to wines in Loire Valley