Château Nozières

www.chateaunozieres.com

  • Establish in: 1955
  • Domaine size: 55 Hectares  
  • Location: Vire-sur-Lot, in the heart of the appellation AOP Cahors

The Maradenne family acquired the property in 1955 when it comprised a few parcels of vines, with also lavanda, cow.... With the dreadful frosts of 1956, they had to be completely replanted. They had to start from the scratch. The renewal was possible thanks to hard work and courage.

Little by little, Cahors wine was becoming appreciated by consumers and with the establishment in 1971 of the “Appellation d’Origine contrôlée”, the property turned wholly to wine production. In 1975, after a period of consolidation, locally, the first bottles of wine were sold under the name “Pierre Maradenne”. The success increased rapidly, and the bottles were sold directly to customers. In 1980, the vineyard took the name of “Domaine de NOZIERES”, so that it was run jointly by Pierre, his daughter, Pierrette, and his son –in- law, Claude Guitard.

The vineyard now covered by 26 hectares became “Château NOZIERES”. The vineyard was specialised in selling to individuals, offering a variety of wines to suit different palates: Red AOC CAHORS wines, Vins de Pays both Rose and red, and since 1990, a white Vin de Pays. This diversification has involved the planting of new vines of different types. At the same time, expensive work has been carried out to guarantee the quality of the wine. This has included the building of a “chai”with stainless steel thermo-regulated vats, the creation of a room for conditioning storage, and maturation in barrels, in an environmental respect of the treatment of waste.

Now the Chateau Nozières is nearly 55 hectares. Since 2005, the participation of a grandson Olivier, following his studies in oenology, has resulted in a new approach of the understanding of the different terroirs. Now, in its fourth generation, Château NOZIERES is always trying to do the most to satisfy its many faithful customers, strives to perfect its products and make innovations in adapting to a market in constant evolution.

 
 

Château Nozière

  • Year: 2014
  • Appélation: AOC Cahors
  • Grape Variety & Blend: 85% Malbec, 15% Merlot
  • Soil & Sub-Soil: The second terrace of the Lot Valley consisting in ancient alluvial deposits from the Riss.
  • Situation & Exposure: Sunny terrace of the Lot Valley, in the village of Vire sur Lot
  • Vine density per hectare: 4,000
  • Average age of vines: 30
  • Vignification: Traditionnally fermented in vats, thermo-controlled, at about 28°C.
  • Maturing: 18 months in concrete vats. each type of "sous-terroir" is separated in a specific vat until the ultimate blend when preparing the wine for bottling.
  • Ageing: 6 to 8 years
  • Tasting Notes: Deeply-coloured with purple tints. Delighful, heady nose with aromes of violet, raspberry and blackcurrant. A supple Cahors wine with a soft mouthfeel and intense fruit presence.
 

Ambroise de l'Her 

  • Year: 2014
  • Appélation:  AOC Cahors
  • Grape Variety & Blend: 95% Malbec, 5% Merlot
  • Soil & Sub-Soil: 3 types of terroirs of the Lot valley : limestone scree, older terrace from the Mindel, upper level of the quaternary period.
  • Situation & Exposure: Sunny terraces of the Lot valley, in the village of Vire sur Lot and Duravel
  • Vine density per hectare: 4,000 to 5,000
  • Average age of vines: 35 years 
  • Vignification: Traditional vinification, in vats, for 3 weeks. Controlled temperature between 28-30°C. Malolactic fermentation in vat on its lees (bâtonnage).
  • Maturing: 12 months in french oak barrels ( 225 and 500 liters) from 2 to 5 years.
  • Ageing: 8 to 10 years 
  • Tasting Notes: "Opulent, layered, rich with seductive aromas of smoke and rich plums underpinned with fragrant lavender and intoxicating rosemary. Beautiful mouthfeel, great structure, lovely concentration and filled with smooth, ripered berry fruit." Decanter
 

L'élégance 

  • Year: 2012
  • Appélation:  AOC Cahors
  • Grape Variety & Blend: 100 % Malbec
  • Soil & Sub-Soil: Slope of the older terrace of the Lot Valley from the Mindel
  • Situation & Exposure: In the village of Vire sur Lot. On a slope of the terrace of the Lot valley. Exposure South SouthWest.
  • Vine density per hectare: 5,000
  • Average age of vines: 45 years
  • Vignification: Traditional vinification, in small concrete vats over a three week period. “Pigeages”. Malolactic fermentation in vat on its lees. 
  • Maturing: 18 to 24 months in new french oak barrels, 225 and 500 liters
  • Ageing: 10 to 15 years
  • Tasting Notes: "Refined, poised yet somptuous nose of black cherry, elegant oak, lifted floral notes and subtle butterscotch and liquorice. Magnificent sweet, ripe fruit palate with generous layers of coffee, veneered oak, lifted floral notes and elegantly structured tannins. Lovely grace and finesse."Decanter.