Cahors wine

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Cahors (pronounced [ka.ɔʁ]) is a red wine made from grapes grown in or around the town of Cahors in the Lot department of southern France. Cahors is an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) (Controlled designation of origin) associated with part of the South West France wine-region. The dominant grape variety in AOC Cahors wines, Malbec (known locally as "Auxerrois” or "Côt") must make up a minimum of 70% of the wine. Winemakers may supplement the Malbec with up to 30% Merlot and/or Tannat. Marketers may use the designation AOC Cahors only for red wines - they distribute the white and rosé wine produced in the same area under the designation Vin de Pays du Lot instead.

Cahors vineyards comprise 4,200 hectares (10,000 acres) , with a planting density of at least 4000 vines per hectare. Today's wine-growing area lies mainly west of the town of Cahors. The most important places are Mercuès, Parnac, Luzech, Prayssac, Grézels, Puy-l'Éveque and Vire sur Lot - all located in the valley of the Lot river.