The southwest oriented 21-ha vineyard
of the Château de Cayx benefits from an ideal exposure
to sunlight and is sheltered from the cold northern winds.
The higher limestone terroirs are arranged in terraces and
extend into lower gravelly soils mixed with pieces of debris
from the “causse” (or limestone plateau). The
vineyard has been progressively replanted as from 1975; the
average age of the vines is approximately 25 years.
The vineyard is mainly planted with
Malbec (80%). Rich in colouring matter and tannins, this
varietal must constitute at least 70% of the blend of
Cahors wines and accounts for their profound robe and
balance. Two other grapes – Merlot and Tannat – that
traditionally compose Cahors wines are also planted at
Cayx, to a much lesser extent though than Malbec. The
Tannat varietal also contributes to the structure of
the wines.
In a quest for quality and excellence,
the vineyard work is carried out with particular care:
the treatments given to the soil are respectful of its
ecology and of the environment; inter-row weeds favour
the expression of the terroir through the vines; the
yields are strictly controlled, with Guyot pruning, suppression
of vine-shoots and, if necessary, green-pruning (to maintain
yields under 50 hl/ha).
 Each
plot is harvested and vinified separately, under strict
temperature control; fermentations are rather long and
last 15 to 20 days. The wines then undergo an 18-month
period of barrel ageing in a semi-buried cellar, at constant
temperatures that are ideal for their maturation.
All the wines of Cayx are estate-bottled.
The Malbec grown on the terroir
of Cayx confer upon our wines their unique character
and intensity, revealed through their aromas of blackberries
and plums that often evolve, upon ageing, into scents
of truffle and spices. Prince Henrik particularly favours
the expression of power, concentration and silkiness
in the wines he produces.
 Recently,
new terraces have been constructed alongside the flanks
of the hill. These extensions are a testimony to the
ambitions of the proprietor and to his trust in the exceptional
terroir
of the Château de Cayx.
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