The Chardonnay is the entry-level white wine from Château du Cèdre — and a real surprise for anyone expecting a simple, run-of-the-mill varietal wine. Pascal and Jean-Marc Verhaeghe apply the same rigor here as they do to their top Cahors cuvées: meticulous winemaking, fine lees, and indigenous yeasts. The result is a subtle, balanced organic white wine with great aromatic precision, praised by James Suckling with a score of 91/100 for the 2023 vintage.
Château du Cèdre—the gold standard of Cahors
For over twenty years, Pascal and Jean-Marc Verhaeghe have made Château du Cèdre the undisputed benchmark of Cahors. Both are certified winemakers who have been certified in organic farming since 2012, and they manage an exceptional vineyard in Vire-sur-Lot. The RVF Guide has awarded them 2 out of 3 stars. While their red Cahors wines are internationally renowned (Le Cèdre 2022 scored 95/100 GMF), their lesser-known whites are among the best buys in the Southwest.
Terroir and Viticulture
100% Chardonnay, sourced from vines planted on the 2nd and 3rd limestone terraces and the limestone plateau of Vire-sur-Lot — a terroir distinct from the stony Tran region reserved for great reds, yet equally exceptional for whites. The high limestone content of the soils imparts a characteristic chalky minerality to the Chardonnay, very different from Chardonnays grown on clay or granite terroirs.
Produced using certified organic farming methods. Hand-harvested with rigorous sorting. 24-hour skin contact before pressing—a technique that extracts primary aromas and imparts natural body without oxidation. Fermentation at an average temperature of 20°C: 20% in new 500-liter oak barrels, 80% in stainless steel tanks. Aged for 8 months on fine lees — the lees are partially incorporated into the wine, adding texture and length without heaviness.
Tasting Notes
Color: bright yellow with golden highlights.
Nose: pleasant and expressive—sliced apple, lemon, mild spices, chalky notes. A subtle and precise nose, without exuberance.
Palate: medium-bodied, with a velvety and relatively round texture. A beautiful balance between fruit and limestone minerality. A savory, long, and slightly spicy finish.
Style: mineral, balanced, subtle — 91/100 James Suckling on the 2023: "Juicy, flavorful, and balanced. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Plenty of volume, with a seductive texture and character."
Serving: at 10–12°C. Will reach its peak by 2028.
Food and Wine Pairings
Aperitif, grilled fish or fish in a light sauce, poultry in cream sauce, risotto, pasta with mushrooms, mild cheeses (Brie, Camembert, fresh goat cheese). An everyday white wine of remarkable precision and deliciousness for less than €11.
Discover other white wines from Château du Cèdre: Les Grèzes 2025 (Sauvignon, Sémillon, Muscadelle, 92/100 Suckling, €15.90) and our selection of organic wines from the Southwest.
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