Château Pineraie is one of the most ancient estates of the Cahors AOC. The Burc family is attested on the property since 1456 by a Latin manuscript parchment found in the archives — that is nearly six centuries of family continuity, confirmed by property deeds of 1663 and 1838. Today led by the 6th generation (Anne and Emmanuelle Burc with their parents), the estate covers 45 hectares at Puy-l'Évêque, with a range of 4 AOC cuvées covering every profile — from the oak-free wine of pleasure (Pierre Sèche) to the prestige 100% Malbec in new oak (L'Authentique).
For general context, see our complete Cahors AOC guide and our Causse vs Valley comparison.
Terroir and vineyard
45 hectares on the two headline terroirs of the Cahors AOC:
- The Causse — high-altitude limestone plateaus, excellent drainage, soils low in organic matter. Gives wines structure, minerality, cellaring.
- The Lot Valley — terraced alluvial terraces, deeper soils, warmer climate. Gives wines amplitude, accessibility, ripe fruit.
This double exposure is rare in the AOC and lets the estate blend or single-plot by cuvée. L'Authentique comes from the best 100% Malbec plots, while Château-Pineraie blends Malbec + Merlot for a more accessible profile.
Burc family — 6 generations, 570 years
1456: a Latin manuscript parchment attests that the Burc family already owns lands in Cahors at that date — that is 570 years of roots at Puy-l'Évêque in 2026. This anteriority is confirmed by property deeds of 1663 and 1838, kept in the departmental archives.
Today, the 6th generation leads: Anne and Emmanuelle Burc, in collaboration with their parents. The near-six-century continuity gives the estate a unique historical depth in the appellation — a rare advantage comparable only to a few Bordeaux or Burgundy dynasties.
Flagship cuvées
Château-Pineraie
Eponymous cuvée of the estate. 85% Malbec + 15% Merlot, classic balance between structure and accessibility. Moderate ageing (vat + oak depending on vintage). Balanced profile, present fruit, melted tannins.
Pairing: regional South-West dishes, red meats, cheeses. Cellaring 8–12 years.
Pierre Sèche
Oak-free cuvée (ageing only in concrete vats + stainless steel). 85% Malbec + 15% Merlot, pure and precise fruit profile, wine of immediate pleasure. Ideal for wine lovers who want to find the direct expression of the grape without oak dominance.
Pairing: charcuterie, white meats, bistro cuisine, everyday meals. Cellaring 5–8 years.
L'Authentique
Estate prestige cuvée. 100% Malbec manually harvested, 18-month ageing in new French oak barrels. Structured, complex profile, powerful tannins in youth that soften with time. Serious cellaring wine (15–20 years).
Pairing: duck confit, mature game (deer, wild boar), Quercy lamb, signature dishes. See our game + Cahors article and confit + Cahors.
Soleil de Pineraie (IGP rosé)
Rosé in IGP Côtes du Lot, from Quercy red grapes. Dry and fresh profile, ideal as aperitif and with Mediterranean cuisine. Not in Cahors AOC because rosés are prohibited in the AOC specifications (reserved for reds).
To note for the wine lover
- Exceptional historical depth: 570 years of family continuity is rare in the world. Château Pineraie is one of the most ancient estates of Cahors by length of roots, comparable to the great historic dynasties.
- Double Causse + Valley terroir: few estates exploit both terroirs. Allows a rare profile diversity in a single estate. See our Causse vs Valley comparison.
- L'Authentique: with 100% Malbec in 18-month new oak, it is a classic gastronomy cuvée capable of holding 15–20 years. Compare with Cuvée Particulière de Lamartine (other 100% Malbec old vines) or L'Eclat de La Coustarelle (other 3rd-terrace prestige).
- Pierre Sèche: for wine lovers seeking an oak-free Cahors, modern profile, to drink young. Excellent value at this level.
Public sources consulted
- Château Pineraie — official site: chateaupineraie.com — consulted 2026-05-18
- Tourisme Lot — Château Pineraie — consulted 2026-05-18
- Cave Ruthène — Château Pineraie — consulted 2026-05-18
- Cahors Vallée du Lot — Château Pineraie — consulted 2026-05-18
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