Crocus is an interesting wine from the Cahors region in southwest of France which has some of the country’s most rugged terrain and most rugged wines. Most Americans think Argentina
when they look for Malbec, but in fact this grape is native to this French region. The French wines tend to be a little drier and more masculine, with the same hardy backbone Malbec is known for. As lifted from the Crocus website: “L’Atelier emphasizes authentic Cahors Malbec with a hint of modernity, showing a very accessible wine with bright fruit and rustic earthiness. “L’Atelier refers to the artisan’s ‘workshop’, where skill, creativity and passion make art. Inspired by the diverse palette of Cahors terroirs, Hobbs and Vigouroux craft this wine from the vineyard deftly revealing a Malbec of structure and elegance, singular to these ancient soils.” A nearly opaque wine with purple tints, offering a bright and harmonious nose redolent of Morello cherry, black plum and blackberries with a hint of ash and leather. The expansive palate is alive with fresh fig, raspberry and redcurrant finishing with earthy tannins with a touch of freshly cracked pepper. A rustic and well-structured wine, befitting to pair with a variety of cuisines.”