Le Clos la Coutale

The Cahors vineyard ranks among the oldest in Europe. Its cultivation was introduced to Quercy by the Romans, who brought their viticultural expertise to the region. Its success was such that Emperor Domitian attempted—unsuccessfully—to restrict its production in favor of Italian wines.

Nicknamed “black wine” in the Middle Ages, Cahors reached its golden age following the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to the future King of England, Henry II, which opened the doors to the British market. Cherished by pilgrims on the Way of Saint James, it even became the table wine of Pope John XXII in the early 14th century, before being exported as far as Germany, Holland, and Russia.

The vineyard nevertheless endured major hardships: the phylloxera crisis of 1877 nearly wiped it out, and the frosts of 1956 destroyed 99% of the remaining vines. Thanks to the determination of a few winegrowers, beginning in 1947, the Côt (Malbec) grape variety was revived, leading to the granting of AOC status in 1971.

Clos La Coutale is rooted in this rich heritage, with origins dating back to 1779, as evidenced by the window lintel of the cellar. The estate has been handed down through generations of the Bernède family: from Charles, a graduate of the Cahors agricultural school in 1860, to Philippe Bernède, who has managed the domaine since 1985. In between, the family lived through wars, practiced mixed farming, and played an active role in the rebirth of the Cahors vineyard.

Today, Clos La Coutale spans 100 hectares and produces around 450,000 bottles per year, 85% of which are exported worldwide — an international reach that continues the long tradition of excellence of Cahors wine.