# L'Authentique (2015)

- **Producer:** Château Pineraie
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Malbec
- **Region:** South West France, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €21
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, blackcurrant, damson, violet, vanilla, chocolate, spicy tobacco, fudge, leather, dried fruit

## About this wine

L'Authentique by Château Pineraie is a distinguished 2015 red wine from the AOC Cahors region of Southwest France, crafted from 100% Malbec. The wine originates from a 5-hectare plot of very old vines, some dating back to 1920, grown on clay and limestone soils. Château Pineraie is a family-owned estate with a long history in the region, now managed by a new generation of winemakers. This cuvée is a pure expression of old-vine Malbec, a distinctive characteristic in Cahors where blending is common. The wine undergoes significant aging in oak, with a high proportion of new barrels, contributing to its rich and powerful profile. The 2015 vintage is noted for its concentration and balance, a result of favorable weather conditions during the growing season.

## Interesting facts

- Vines for this wine are up to 100 years old.
- The estate has been in the same family since the 15th century.
- 60-70% of the oak used for aging is new.
- This wine is a single-varietal Malbec, a deliberate choice in Cahors.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body, ripe tannins, and pronounced fruit character stand up to rich, protein-heavy dishes. The tannins bind with proteins in the meat, softening the wine and cleansing the palate. The dark fruit notes complement roasted or braised meats, while the wine's structure can balance the richness of fatty dishes.

## Wine making process

L'Authentique is produced from 100% Malbec grapes grown on old vines in Cahors. The winemaking process involves a long vatting period of 25 to 30 days, with fermentation taking place in thermoregulated wood vats at around 30°C. This extended maceration aims to maximize extraction. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels, with 60-70% of these being new oak. The estate practices sustainable viticulture. The approach balances traditional Cahors winemaking with modern influences to create wines with structure and style.