Wine producers in Cahors, a renowned wine-producing region in southwestern France, are increasingly turning to sparkling wine production as a strategy to boost sales and adapt to shifting consumer preferences. Traditionally famous for its Malbec-based red wines, Cahors has faced declining consumption and sales in recent years, prompting many local wineries to diversify their offerings.
Armand de Gérard, head of marketing and communications for the Union Interprofessionnelle des Vins de Cahors (UIVC), explained in an interview with La Dépêche that the move toward sparkling wines was not solely a response to economic difficulties. Rather, he emphasized that producers had already begun exploring new products long before the current market challenges emerged. Sparkling wines, along with white wines, have seen a surge in consumer demand, making them an attractive option for wineries looking to expand their portfolios.
Despite the growing interest in sparkling wines, production in Cahors remains relatively modest. At Clos Troteligotte, an organic and biodynamic winery, sparkling wines account for just 10% of total production. Emmanuel Rybinski, the winery’s winemaker, noted that although these wines are not yet a major revenue source, they add value to the estate’s product range. Rybinski, who has been crafting pétillant naturel (Pét-Nat) wines for the past four years, acknowledged that this style of winemaking is a departure from the region’s traditional practices.
The trend toward sparkling wines is gaining traction, with over ten Cahors producers now experimenting with the category. Prominent names in the region, including Château de Chambert, Clos Triguedina, Domaine Le Vent des Jours, Château Famaey, Château Eugénie, Clos du Chêne, Mas del Périé, Domaine la Calmette, and Maison Georges Vigouroux, are among those embracing this shift. Some wineries are even experimenting with the region’s flagship Malbec grape, creating red pétillant naturel wines, such as those produced at Domaine la Calmette.
While sparkling wine production in Cahors is still in its early stages, the trend reflects a broader effort by local producers to meet changing market demands and strengthen the region’s position in the competitive wine industry. As new styles and innovations continue to emerge, Cahors aims to revitalize its local economy and diversify its offerings to appeal to a wider range of consumers.
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