Clos Triguedina is undoubtedly the most emblematic estate of the qualitative revival of the Cahors AOC. The Baldès family has worked the vines here since 1830, across seven generations, on 70 hectares straddling four communes (Vire-sur-Lot, Puy-l'Évêque, Floressas, Touzac). Driven by Jean-Luc Baldès (and today by his wife Sabine in management), the estate has carried the ambition of a modern Cahors capable of rivalling international grands crus, notably through the « Probus » cuvée created in 1992 and partly aged in the Padirac cave. Our editorial team ranks it at number 3 in the top 10 Cahors wines 2026.
For general historical context, see our history of the Cahors AOC.
Estate identity card
- Headquarters: 19 Impasse Triguedina, 46700 Vire-sur-Lot — vines spread across four communes (Vire-sur-Lot, Puy-l'Évêque, Floressas, Touzac).
- Surface: 70 hectares — among the largest independent estates of the appellation.
- Family: Baldès, seven generations since Etienne Baldès planted the first plots in 1830.
- Current owners: Jean-Luc and Sabine Baldès.
- Grape varieties: Malbec dominant (85%), Merlot, Tannat; Viognier, Chardonnay and Chenin for whites; some rosés (sparkling Bul's, New Pink Wine).
- Approach: Vignerons Engagés (CSR), Vignerons Indépendants, ISO 26000, Tourisme & Handicap four-category welcome, Qualité Tourisme Occitanie, Accueil Vélo, Vignobles & Découvertes.
- House style: structure and cellaring, assumed Cadurcian identity, refusal of over-oaking.
History: 1830, seven generations, and the 1992 Probus cuvée
In 1830, Etienne Baldès planted his first plots on the current site of Clos Triguedina. Seven generations later, the family has helped to structure the modern Cahors AOC — its history and that of the appellation are closely linked. The name Triguedina comes from Occitan: "tarde di nat" (that holds back dinner — that is, a wine that makes time fly at the table).
The name Probus comes from the Roman emperor Probus who, in AD 280, repealed Domitian's edict (AD 96) that had banned vine cultivation in Gaul in favour of wheat. Probus authorised the replanting of vines in the Quercy — the cuvée therefore bears the name of the "historic liberator" of the Cadurcian vineyard.
In 1992, Jean-Luc Baldès launched the « Probus » cuvée: a 100% Malbec from the third terrace, vinified for long cellaring, aged in barrel. At the time, it was a major stylistic rupture for Cahors. "Probus" proved that Cahors can target 15–20 years of cellaring like a great Bordeaux or Hermitage. The commercial and critical success of the cuvée triggered a wider movement in the appellation, quickly followed by other estates (Château du Cèdre, Lagrézette, Chambert). Thirty years later, "Probus" remains one of the three or four essential references of the great Cahors.
A unique feature: Probus aged in the Padirac cave
The most singular detail of Clos Triguedina is undoubtedly the partnership with the Padirac cave, one of the major karst sites of the Lot (guided boat tours on an underground river, 103 m deep). Part of the Probus production is aged in a cavity of the cave, at near-constant temperature and humidity (12–13 °C, humidity 95%+ year-round). A commemorative cuvée — « Probus Padirac, Cuvée des 130 ans » — celebrates this association with the 130 years of the cave.
This practice of ageing in a natural cavity remains very rare in the French vineyard. Temperature, humidity and vibration-free conditions are theoretically optimal for the evolution of wines in barrel — but the logistical access is complex (lowering the barrels by winch), which explains its rarity.
The terroir: four communes, three terraces + elite plots
The estate extends across the three terraces of the Lot as well as some causse plots, which is rare in Cahors and allows Jean-Luc Baldès to play on complementarities:
- First terrace (Lot valley, modern alluvium): fruit, accessibility young. This is notably the area that carries the Cuvée Classique and the Petit Clos.
- Second terrace (mixed gravel + clay + alios): balance, measured structure.
- Third terrace (very free-draining rolled pebbles, poor soils): concentration, long cellaring — this is the Probus zone.
To this are added a few single plots reserved for « Trilogie », which takes the plot-by-plot approach to its peak (three Malbec micro-expressions linked to geology). This diversity explains the richness of the range and the progressive reading the estate proposes to the wine lover: you climb the steps of a real qualitative pyramid.
To understand the educational structure of the three terraces, see our terroir page.
Flagship cuvées
Petit Clos « Cuvée Plaisir »
Cahors AOC red · 3-5 years
Entry-level accessible and fruity cuvée, designed as immediate "pleasure" rather than a cellaring wine.
Malbec du Clos « French Malbec »
Cahors AOC 100% Malbec · 3-6 years
Modern cuvée, cut for the export market. Open, accessible profile, to serve with grilled meats, red meats and international cuisines.
Clos Triguedina « Cuvée Classique »
Cahors AOC red · 8-12 years
The historic cuvée of the estate — Malbec, Merlot, Tannat blend from the historic terroirs. Depth, balance, generosity — a classic Cahors that sums up the Triguedina spirit. Wide price range because the cuvée exists in current vintages and in old vintages remarketed by the estate.
Probus — Prestige Cuvée
100% Malbec, partial Padirac cave ageing · 12-20 years
The historic cuvée launched in 1992. Rigorous berry selection on the third terrace, long vinification, ageing in barrel with a high portion in the Padirac cave. Dense profile, measured concentration, upright tannins, very long finish. To cellar — the peak sits between 10 and 15 years after vintage. Our top 10 2026 ranks it n° 3.
Trilogie — Plot Selection
Cahors AOC red · 12-18 years
The plot-by-plot approach taken to its peak: three Malbec micro-expressions linked to the geology of three distinct plots. Expert connoisseur cuvée, very limited series.
The New Black Wine « L'exception »
Cahors AOC red
Cuvée tribute to the medieval black wines of Cahors (the "black wine" being the appellation's historic signature in the Middle Ages). Very concentrated profile, specific vinification technique (allusion to "black wine" documented from the 14th century). To cellar at length.
Other house cuvées
- Pavillon — mid-tier cuvée of the Clos Triguedina collection.
- Black Vintage « Le Velours » — Malbec mistelle, velvety finish.
- Bul's — first 100% Malbec sparkling rosé of Cahors.
- The New Pink Wine — exceptional acacia-barrel aged rosé.
- Viognier Chardonnay « L'équilibre » — dry white outside the AOC.
- Chenin-Or du Clos « La Douceur » — sweet Chenin.
The editor's word
Clos Triguedina occupies a unique place in the Cahors AOC: it is both a serious production estate (70 ha allow wide distribution) and a qualitative reference estate ("Probus", "Trilogie" and "The New Black Wine" are icon cuvées). This dual dimension is rare and precious.
Strengths:
- Extreme range diversity: you can start at the entry level (Malbec du Clos) and climb to the prestige level (New Black Wine) in a single visit and a single recognisable house style. 13 cuvées marketed simultaneously, including four whites/rosés/fortified.
- Stylistic coherence: despite the size, the "Baldès" signature is readable across every cuvée (structure, elegance, refusal of over-oaking).
- Historical heritage: seven generations of transmission, creating stability of practice and quality.
- Perpetual innovation: Padirac cave ageing, 100% Malbec sparkling rosé, acacia-barrel for the rosé, Black Vintage mistelle. The estate does not rest on Probus.
- International distribution: present in England, Germany, USA, Canada, Belgium.
To note for the wine lover:
- Particularly wide range: 13 cuvées marketed simultaneously cover all budgets and profiles. Cellar-door tasting, accompanied by the team, lets you precisely target the cuvée suited to your budget and occasion.
- Vignerons Engagés CSR approach (ISO 26000 certification): structured approach covering vineyard management, vinifications, working conditions and territorial engagement — complementary to the organic certifications practised by other estates in the appellation.
An essential estate for anyone who wants to understand the modern Cahors AOC.
Public sources consulted: famille-baldes.com (official site — history, cuvées, certifications) · jlbaldes.fr (online boutique — full range and prices) · Cahors Vallée du Lot — estate profile (address, hours, visit rates) · iDealwine — Jean-Luc Baldès profile (Etienne Baldès 1830, six generations, terroirs) · Vignerons Indépendants — Triguedina. Profile published and updated 15 May 2026.
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