In the southwest of France, Cahors is quite possibly one of the best-known regions for its prolific Malbec (also known as ‘Cot’), as the AOC stipulates the wines must have minimum 70% Malbec in the blend and commonly they contain much more. With a history dating back to the Middle Ages and a nickname of the ‘black wine of Cahors’ due to its deep colour, the name became synonymous with the style of wine. Despite its proximity to the Atlantic it is still relatively warm and dry ensuring concentrated styles. Though the region is known for its traditional styles, many winemakers are also pushing the boundaries and experimenting to create lighter styles.