2019 Clos Troteligotte K-Pot Malbec, AOC Cahors, France
Tasting Notes
A star in Paris’ natural wine scene, this sulfite-free cuvee is totally natural wine without any additives or any kind other than the grapes from the vineyard, and in case you were wondering “K-Pot” is French slang for “no protection.” This wine is meant for early consumption. As is traditional in the appellation, a bit of Merlot is included in the fermentation to help soften the palate.
A mercurial wine, K-Pot offers shifting layers of plummy fruit, savory herbs, graphite, and hints of bright dill. The Merlot is in evidence as it rounds out the mouth feel and gives a silken texture to the intense, aromatic Malbec.
The ever-innovative Emmanuel Rybinski is without question Cahors’ hottest young star. Emmanuel’s ten-acre estate sits atop an iron-rich plateau on the Southern border of the appellation. The iron chunks scattered atop this vineyard are so pure you could sell them to a smelter. The property is unusually high in elevation, which allows Emmanuel to farm organically with ease (he is above the fog line and therefore has no issues with mildew). Rows are plowed by a horse and spaced tightly. In 2005, the operation was classified under rational agriculture, and in January 2014, Clos Troteligotte became certified organic. The Rybinski family home is equally impressive – An-off-the-grid Eco/DIY masterpiece Emmanuel created from a 17th-century stone barn.
Specs
Varietal: 100% Malbec
Origin: France
Appellation: AOC Cahors
Elaboration: Cold Maceration between 10 and 12 ° C for 5 days with indigenous yeasts. Aged for 6 months in concrete vessels. No added sulfites.
Alcohol: 12.75%
TA: 4.03 g/l
Residual Sugar: 0.01 g/l
pH: 4.59
Production: 650 cases
Winemaker: Emmanuel Rybinski
What’s Included
4-bottles:
4x 2019 Clos Troteligotte K-Pot Malbec, AOC Cahors, France Case:
12x 2019 Clos Troteligotte K-Pot Malbec, AOC Cahors, France
Emmanuel Rybinski, is, without question, the most forward-thinking producer in Cahors and runs this spectacular property. Clos Troteligotte roughly translates to “Land of the Doves,” and this ten-acre estate sits atop an iron-rich plateau (much of the iron present here is so pure it could be sold for smelting!). Stylistically Emmanuel’s wines straddle the line between old and new Cahors. Farming is certified organic by ECOCERT FRBIO. Winemaking is natural, without additives, and results in vibrant fruit in the glass. The iron soil components offer striking minerality. The young Rybinski family “lives off of the land” in a literal sense, farming all their own fruits/vegetables on site, growing their own grains and crushing them with a homemade windmill, raising their own livestock, managing their own forest for heating/cooking, and even growing hemp for clothing and insulation purposes!
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Clos Troteligotte 2019 K-Pot Malbec
PNP. Dark, almost cloudy purple in the glass. Nose had ripe berries right off the bat, though SWMBO and I couldn’t pin down exactly which ones at first.
On the palate: dense and full-bodied but not jammy. Dark fruit comes through; we’re thinking plum with a definite licorice note. Tannins are present, noticeable but not rough. A touch of acidity, too, but it works in a good way, keeps it from feeling heavy. Smooth and bold overall.
After about an hour in the decanter, things really opened up. The mouthfeel got softer, rounder, and more pleasant. Blackberries came through loud and clear at that point, and the whole wine felt more balanced and complete.
Food pairing: rosemary pecan–crusted chicken with brown butter mashed sweet potatoes and roasted green beans. Honestly, it was a great match; the acidity/tannins cut through the richness really well. That said, we kept thinking how perfect it would have been with a steak. If UPS had delivered it anytime before today, we’d have planned that!
Also appreciate the no-added-sulfites angle, which gives the wine a raw, alive quality. For me, this hits a sweet spot: rustic, bold, and flavorful without tipping over into jammy territory. At the right price point, I’m a buyer…hoping for <$12btl. QPR would be off the charts if that’s the case.
Bottom line: glad we received it, and we’d happily pour it again with a bigger cut of meat on the table.
Big thanks to Terry and WD for the opportunity!
@mattykillpatty Im concerned about longevity, in top winery description, it mentions wine is meant for early consumption, yet its now going on its 6th year. Any thoughts on how much longer it has left?
@winecaseaholic great question! The tannins are definitely mellowing and now that I read their description and see it has added merlot I wonder if it’s from that or aging or both. Either way, I wouldn’t be afraid to lay this down for a few more years but probably not three.
@mattykillpatty@winecaseaholic I’m not as familiar with Cahors region but with Bordeaux, I’d consider 2019 to be very young still. I hope thats the case here. Love French Malbec.
Troglodyte
A member of a fabulous or prehistoric race of people that lived in caves, dens, or holes.
A person considered to be reclusive, reactionary, out of date, or brutish.
Troteligotte
A domaine located in Cahors, France, known for its biodynamic and organic wines, particularly its Malbec.
I am supposed to be a labrat, but my overnight shipping is on day 3. It went to eastern Oregon and I live in the west part. If I get it today, I will report. I always appreciate the opportunity and hope it gets delivered on time, so I can report. Thanks Casemates!
2019 Clos Troteligotte K-Pot Malbec, AOC Cahors, France
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$347.88/Case for 12x 2019 Clos Troteligotte K-Pot Malbec, AOC Cahors, France at Elixir Wine Group
About The Winery
Clos Troteligotte
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Oct 27 - Tuesday, Oct 28
2019 Clos Troteligotte K-Pot French Malbec
4 bottles for $84.99 $21.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $194.99 $16.25/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Clos Troteligotte 2019 K-Pot Malbec
PNP. Dark, almost cloudy purple in the glass. Nose had ripe berries right off the bat, though SWMBO and I couldn’t pin down exactly which ones at first.
On the palate: dense and full-bodied but not jammy. Dark fruit comes through; we’re thinking plum with a definite licorice note. Tannins are present, noticeable but not rough. A touch of acidity, too, but it works in a good way, keeps it from feeling heavy. Smooth and bold overall.
After about an hour in the decanter, things really opened up. The mouthfeel got softer, rounder, and more pleasant. Blackberries came through loud and clear at that point, and the whole wine felt more balanced and complete.
Food pairing: rosemary pecan–crusted chicken with brown butter mashed sweet potatoes and roasted green beans. Honestly, it was a great match; the acidity/tannins cut through the richness really well. That said, we kept thinking how perfect it would have been with a steak. If UPS had delivered it anytime before today, we’d have planned that!
Also appreciate the no-added-sulfites angle, which gives the wine a raw, alive quality. For me, this hits a sweet spot: rustic, bold, and flavorful without tipping over into jammy territory. At the right price point, I’m a buyer…hoping for <$12btl. QPR would be off the charts if that’s the case.
Bottom line: glad we received it, and we’d happily pour it again with a bigger cut of meat on the table.
Big thanks to Terry and WD for the opportunity!
@mattykillpatty Im concerned about longevity, in top winery description, it mentions wine is meant for early consumption, yet its now going on its 6th year. Any thoughts on how much longer it has left?
@winecaseaholic great question! The tannins are definitely mellowing and now that I read their description and see it has added merlot I wonder if it’s from that or aging or both. Either way, I wouldn’t be afraid to lay this down for a few more years but probably not three.
@mattykillpatty @winecaseaholic I’m not as familiar with Cahors region but with Bordeaux, I’d consider 2019 to be very young still. I hope thats the case here. Love French Malbec.
Troglodyte
A member of a fabulous or prehistoric race of people that lived in caves, dens, or holes.
A person considered to be reclusive, reactionary, out of date, or brutish.
Troteligotte
A domaine located in Cahors, France, known for its biodynamic and organic wines, particularly its Malbec.
A very fine distinction.
@digerifoo2
I am supposed to be a labrat, but my overnight shipping is on day 3. It went to eastern Oregon and I live in the west part. If I get it today, I will report. I always appreciate the opportunity and hope it gets delivered on time, so I can report. Thanks Casemates!