Chateau Paillas is located in the village of Floressas, 35 km west of the city of Cahors in south-west France. The vineyards lie on the edge of a plateau overlooking the Lot Valley at an altitude of 240 metres. All the vines were planted in 1978 on a single plot of 27 hectares, which extends in a semi-circle around the winery and the soil is rich in limestone and clay, perfect for the cultivation of the earthy Malbec grape. In addition the vines also enjoy a favourable micro-climate that benefits from the gentle winds that blow down the plateau, and being south-facing they also receive plenty of sunshine ensuring that the grapes reach maximum maturity. Only two grapes are grown here: Malbec (known locally also as Cot or Auxerrois) and Merlot, and to qualify for AOC Cahors status the resulting wine must contain at least 70% Malbec. This particular red contains 90% Malbec with 10% Merlot and spends up to 18 months in stainless steel tanks before bottling. It is therefore unoaked.

A dark ruby-red in colour. Scents of raspberries, coffee and chocolate on the nose. On the palate, medium-bodied and juicy with notes of blackcurrant and blueberry. The texture is very smooth and the structure very solid with a fresh, lingering finish. Malbec is always good with beef and makes for a great barbecue wine. Try with a casserole of shin of beef and haricots beans, duck and prune kebabs or a chorizo, goat's cheese and red onion pizza.