Château de Mercuès

The history of Château de Mercuès

The origins of Château de Mercuès date back to the 13th century. It was built on a rocky promontory overlooking and protecting the town of Cahors, as well as the Lot valley. The castle was severely tested during the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion, with attacks, pillaging, sieges and fires.

It is assumed that a fort already existed before Château de Mercuès was built, but few remains remain from before the 13th century. The construction of the fortress was initiated by the bishops of Cahors. After the French Revolution, Château de Mercuès remained in ecclesiastical hands, but changed owners frequently.

After the Law of 1905 and the separation of Church and State, it came back into the hands of the State, but only for a very short time. The following year, it was sold to a doctor named Faure. Château de Mercuès was renovated and, in 1913, became a listed site of artistic interest. In 1947, its facades and roofs were listed as Monuments Historiques.

It was Dr. Faure's daughters who decided to open the Château de Mercuès to the public, turning it into a restaurant and inn. In 1979, Château de Mercuès was bought by a local wine merchant, Georges Vigouroux. He set about renovating the vineyard and restoring it to its former glory. Today, Château de Mercuès is a Relais & Châteaux hotel and a vineyard renowned for its Cahors wines.

The Château de Mercuès vineyard

The Château de Mercuès vineyard extends over 35 hectares and covers the communes of Mercuès and Caillac. The terroir is predominantly clay-limestone. The grape varieties are mainly Malbec (or Côt), complemented by Tannat and Merlot. A few plots are reserved for Chenin for white wine production.

The vineyards of Château de Mercuès are characterized by an exceptional density of vines. Just over half the estate has 6,666 vines per hectare, 65% more than the usual local norm. This density is the result of an ancestral planting method. The aim is to produce concentrated wines with great ageing potential.

The wines of Château de Mercuès

Château de Mercuès offers 4 red wines and 2 white wines.

Château de Mercuès - Grand Vin Seigneur : The first wine of Château de Mercuès is a blend of Malbec, Merlot and Tannat.

Le Vassal de Mercuès : Le Vassal de Mercuès is the château's second wine. It is composed of 100% Malbec.
Cuvée Prestige 6666 : Cuvée Prestige 6666 is made entirely of Malbec. Its name evokes the high planting density of the vines.

Icône de Mercuès : Icône de Mercuès is composed entirely of Malbec. It was created in 2009.

Chenin de Mercuès Blanc : You can choose between dry or sweet white wine.