About Château Nozières
Our History
The Maradenne family acquired this property in 1955, which initially included only a few vineyard plots and some polyculture farming. However, after the severe frost of 1956, replanting the vineyard became essential. With Cahors wine gradually regaining popularity among consumers, especially after obtaining the AOC "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" designation in 1971, the estate shifted primarily to viticulture.
After initially selling to local merchants, the first bottles were marketed in 1975 under the "Pierre Maradenne" brand. The wine's success quickly necessitated an increase in bottled production and direct sales. In 1980, the estate was named "Domaine de Nozières," and by 1983, it operated as a GAEC (a French farming cooperative) with Mr. Maradenne, his daughter, and son-in-law Claude Guitard, at which point it became Château Nozières.
The estate initially spanned approximately 26 hectares. Over time, successive improvements and growing success expanded Château Nozières to 55 hectares of vineyards. All stages of winemaking are carried out on-site, including vineyard cultivation, harvesting, vinification, wine aging, bottling, and sales.
The Estate
Today, the estate encompasses 55 hectares of vineyards and about 10 hectares of meadows and woods. The vineyard stretches around the property within a 1-kilometer radius, primarily in the commune of Vire-sur-Lot, situated on the terraces of the Lot Valley. It comprises a mosaic of approximately 40 plots, each with unique characteristics such as grape variety, soil, exposure, and age. Despite their proximity, each plot produces distinct grapes.
These vineyards are located on the most prestigious and high-quality terroirs of the Cahors appellation, including limestone scree cones and high terrace slopes. The climate benefits from the dual influence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, providing regular rainfall, ample sunshine, the temperature-regulating effects of the nearby Lot River, and the Autan wind, which aids in perfect grape ripening.
Grape Varieties
The vineyard is predominantly planted with Malbec, a demanding grape to cultivate but one that, with meticulous care, yields rich, colorful, and elegant wines. Complementary varieties include Merlot, widely cultivated globally, and Tannat, native to the Madiran region. For IGP Côtes du Lot wines, white varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Manseng, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for rosés, are also grown.
Throughout the growing season, the team performs numerous tasks, including precise pruning, spring de-budding, leaf thinning, and green harvesting, all aimed at producing healthy, ripe grapes essential for crafting high-quality artisan wines.
Efforts to reduce the estate's environmental impact include systematic leaf thinning for better sun exposure, eliminating anti-rot treatments, natural shoot removal, the gradual reintroduction of under-vine soil work using new inter-vine tools, creating a tractor washing station, and purchasing next-generation drift-reducing sprayers.
Year after year, the estate strives to enhance its practices to protect the environment while producing quality wines. These efforts have been recognized with dual certification in Terra Vitis and High Environmental Value Level 3.
Since 2020, the AOP Cahors vineyard has been transitioning to organic farming, and the wines have been certified organic starting with the 2023 vintage.
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