Cosse et Maisonneuve

In Lacapelle-Cabanac, in the Lot region, Domaine Cosse & Maisonneuve was built around a clear ambition: to restore to Cahors all the nobility of its terroir and its iconic grape variety, Malbec. Founded by Matthieu Cosse and Catherine Maisonneuve in the early 2000s, the estate has gradually established itself as a defining presence in the Cahors wine region. Their approach is rooted in a simple conviction: to produce wines that accurately express the place from which they come, without masking the terroir through excessive intervention.

The vineyard spans about 20 hectares around Lacapelle-Cabanac, on a particularly interesting mosaic of soils. The limestone scree and clay-limestone plateaus are where the Malbec vintages are produced, while certain siderolithic terroirs—recognizable by their red clays rich in iron—lend a deeper, velvety character. La Marguerite, the estate’s signature wine, comes from a 2.5-hectare plot on this iron-ore-rich terroir.

While Malbec reigns supreme here, Catherine and Matthieu are also exploring other grape varieties that allow them to step outside the appellation’s traditional framework. Cabernet Franc, in particular, holds a special place with the Carmenet and Sidérolithe wines, produced as “ Vin de France ” since this grape variety is not authorized in the Cahors AOC. The estate also cultivates Merlot and Gamay, with a consistent commitment to revealing their unique characteristics rather than pursuing a standardized style.

Biodynamics lies at the heart of the estate’s philosophy. Vineyard management focuses on fostering living soils, moderate yields, and hand-harvesting to ensure the grapes reach perfect ripeness. In the cellar, the same high standards are maintained through gentle extraction, slow fermentation, and long, carefully controlled aging. Respect for the integrity of the grape is paramount, with winemaking practices that prioritize finesse and balance over overt power.

From the freshness and fruitiness of the Malbec vintages to the deeper expressions of the great siderolithic terroirs, the wines of Cosse & Maisonneuve showcase the many facets of Cahors. These are deep yet precise wines, structured without heaviness, where fruit, freshness, and texture take center stage. Through their work, Catherine Maisonneuve and Matthieu Cosse have been helping people rediscover, for over twenty years, all the finesse and complexity that Malbec can offer on the terroirs of the Lot.