List of products by brand CHATEAU DU CEDRE

Situated at Vire-sur-Lot in the Lot valley, Château du Cèdre farms 27 hectares of certified organic vines across the calcareous scree slopes and ancient siliceous terraces of the Cahors appellation. Founded in 1973 by the Verhaeghe family, originally from Flanders, the estate reached a turning point in 1995 when a devastating hailstorm prompted Pascal and Jean-Marc Verhaeghe to rethink their viticulture entirely — a journey that culminated in full organic certification in 2012. Malbec here delivers the depth and density that define the finest Cahors. At Halles Quercamps, we have selected this estate for the seriousness of its organic conversion, its precise understanding of Lot terroirs, and the consistent ageing potential of its reds. A benchmark address in the Sud-Ouest.

Château du Cèdre has established itself as one of the most rigorous addresses in the Cahors appellation, combining a compelling terroir at Vire-sur-Lot with a long-term organic commitment driven by the Verhaeghe family across more than five decades.

A family estate rooted in the Lot valley

The story of Château du Cèdre begins in 1973, when the Verhaeghe family — originally from Flanders — settled in the Lot and established what would become one of Cahors' most respected estates. Today, Pascal and Jean-Marc Verhaeghe manage 27 hectares of vines on the commune of Vire-sur-Lot, working with a portfolio of varieties that places Malbec firmly at the centre: alongside it grow Merlot, Tannat, Viognier, Sémillon, and Muscadelle, allowing the estate to produce both red and white wines of genuine character.

Terroir: two distinct soil types, one appellation

The vineyards of Château du Cèdre sit across two markedly different terroirs. The first consists of cônes d'éboulis calcaires — locally known as Tran — calcareous scree deposits that impart structure and mineral tension to the wines. The second comprises the high terraces of the Mindel glaciation, composed of clay-siliceous soils rich in rounded galets, which contribute body and aromatic complexity. Exposures range from south-west on the principal parcels to due south on others, ensuring excellent ripening conditions for Malbec across the growing season. This diversity of soils and aspects is central to the estate's ability to produce wines of genuine depth and precision within the Cahors AOC.

Organic viticulture: a conviction, not a trend

The pivotal moment in the estate's modern history came in 1995, when a devastating hailstorm destroyed much of the harvest and forced Pascal and Jean-Marc Verhaeghe to reconsider their entire approach to viticulture. Rather than simply rebuilding as before, they embarked on a gradual conversion towards organic farming — a process that required patience, investment, and genuine conviction. That commitment was formally recognised in 2012, when Château du Cèdre received its certified organic status. The estate now farms entirely without synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or fertilisers, relying instead on careful canopy management, cover crops, and attentive work in the vineyard to maintain soil health and vine balance.

The wines of Château du Cèdre

The estate produces wines across two colours, with Malbec-led reds at the heart of the range:

Red wines (Cahors AOC) — Malbec-dominant, structured and age-worthy, with the characteristic depth and dark-fruited density of the appellation's finest terroirs.
White wines — produced from Viognier, Sémillon, and Muscadelle; aromatic and textured, offering a less familiar but rewarding side of the Sud-Ouest.

Across the range, the winemaking reflects the same rigour applied in the vineyard: careful élevage, restrained intervention, and a clear focus on expressing the specific character of each parcel and soil type.

Why we have selected Château du Cèdre

At Halles Quercamps, we have followed the work of Pascal and Jean-Marc Verhaeghe for many years, and our reasons for listing Château du Cèdre are straightforward. First, the organic certification achieved in 2012 is the result of a genuine, long-term commitment — not a recent marketing decision — and that integrity shows in the wines. Second, the estate's command of its two distinct terroirs in Cahors produces reds with real ageing potential: bottles that reward patience and repay the cellar. Third, Château du Cèdre represents the Sud-Ouest at its most serious and most authentic.

We recommend these wines to confirmed amateurs of structured French reds who enjoy following a producer's evolution over time. At the table, the Malbec-based reds are superb alongside a slow-braised côte de bœuf, duck confit, or a well-aged hard cheese. The whites pair beautifully with river fish or a rich terrine.