Anne Arbeau On l'Appelle Negrette 2022

Anne Arbeau and her brother Géraud represent the fourth generation of the family-owned Vignobles Arbeau and Château Coutinel in Fronton, Southwest France. Her journey into winemaking took a unique turn. Initially armed with a Ph.D. in Fluid Mechanics and a career path set towards Renault in Paris, Anne's direction shifted dramatically in 2004 following her father's passing. This pivotal moment led her to join the family's wine business in 2005, bringing a blend of scientific acumen and a fresh perspective to the traditional winemaking process.

The Arbeau family has deep roots in Fronton, dating back to the 16th century in the village of Labastide Saint Pierre, just north of Toulouse. Their winemaking heritage began in 1878 with the establishment of "Arbeau Pére et Fils" by Prosper Arbeau and his son, Jean. The winery has since become a staple in the region, known for its commitment to producing a variety of red, white, and rose wines.

Anne and her brother, who studied Chemistry and Oenology, are strongly united in their approach to managing Vignobles Arbeau. They value family involvement in key decision-making, often consulting with their mother and grandmother. Their combined efforts have helped maintain the winery's reputation for producing exceptional wines while embracing sustainable practices.

Vignobles Arbeau is recognized for its diverse variety of grapes, including Negrette, Braucol, Cot, Gamay, Mauzac, and Loin de l'oeil. The vineyard, spanning over 100 hectares, is certified organic, reflecting the Arbeau siblings' commitment to environmentally sustainable winemaking. This approach is further exemplified in their "less is more" philosophy in the cellar, relying on the quality of their fruit to shine through in their wines.

Château Coutinel, acquired by the family in 1920 and described as the "jewel in the crown" of their estate, is especially notable for its wines made from Negrette grapes, which thrive in the local boulbène soil. These wines are recognized for their rich flavors and authentic expression of the Fronton terroir.

In summary, Anne Arbeau's story is one of a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, merging her scientific background with a longstanding family legacy in winemaking. Under her and her brother's leadership, Vignobles Arbeau continues to be a testament to the rich winemaking tradition of Southwest France, all while paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future in the industry.

The Cahors wine region, located in southwest France within the Lot department, is primarily known for its robust red wines made from the Malbec grape, locally known as "Auxerrois." This region is one of the oldest wine-producing areas in France, with viticulture documented as far back as Roman times.

Cahors lies between the Atlantic and Mediterranean climates, which grants it a unique microclimate characterized by ample sunshine and moderate rainfall, ideal for the cultivation of Malbec. The region's terroir is varied, consisting mainly of alluvial terraces with clay and limestone soils that contribute to the depth and complexity of its wines.

Cahors was granted Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status in 1971, establishing strict regulations regarding viticulture and winemaking. Under these regulations, a wine must contain at least 70% Malbec, with Merlot and Tannat, often used as blending partners to add subtlety and complexity. This composition helps produce wines that are intensely colored, full-bodied, and tannic, often with a bouquet of dark fruits, earth, and spice notes. These characteristics make Cahors wines particularly suited for aging, usually developing richer flavors and smoother textures over time.

The wines of Cahors traditionally pair well with meat dishes, game, and dark chocolate, making them a favored choice for meals that require a robust wine companion. As global interest in Malbec grows, primarily driven by the grape's success in Argentina, Cahors has experienced a renaissance, reasserting its historical significance and quality on the international wine stage.

Today, Cahors continues to evolve, with producers experimenting with modern winemaking techniques while maintaining the heritage that defines this storied wine region. This balance of tradition and innovation ensures Cahors remains relevant and respected in the ever-changing world of wine.