Philippe Bernède

The current steward of Clos La Coutale, embodies a legacy of winemaking excellence passed down through six generations. Raised amidst the vineyards of Cahors, Philippe developed an intrinsic connection to the land and its viticultural traditions. His profound understanding of the Malbec and Merlot varietals, coupled with a commitment to sustainable practices, has been instrumental in producing wines that authentically express the terroir of the Lot Valley. Philippe's approach seamlessly integrates time-honored techniques with thoughtful innovation, ensuring each vintage reflects both the rich heritage and dynamic future of Clos La Coutale.

The Cahors wine region, nestled in the Lot department of southwestern France, is renowned as the historic birthplace of Malbec. Situated along the meandering Lot River, the vineyards benefit from a temperate climate and diverse soils, including gravel, limestone, and clay, which contribute to the distinctive character of the wines. Cahors wines are traditionally crafted from a minimum of 70% Malbec, often blended with Merlot or Tannat, resulting in deeply colored, robust reds with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. The region's winemaking history dates back to Roman times, and despite challenges over the centuries, including the phylloxera epidemic and competition from other wine regions, Cahors has maintained its reputation for producing wines of depth and longevity. Today, Cahors stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Malbec in its original terroir.