On a winery's price list, you often see two distinct mentions: AOC Cahors and Côtes du Lot IGP. Why does a single estate — like ours — produce under both? What does the difference actually cover, and how do you choose?
AOC Cahors: a strict frame, one king grape
AOC (the most demanding French appellation tier) means for Cahors:
- A restricted geographic zone in the south-east of the Lot valley.
- Red only (no rosé, no white).
- At least 70% Malbec, blended with Merlot and Tanat.
- Lower yield ceilings than IGP.
- Strict rules on vine management, vinification, minimum alcohol.
The result: typed, recognisable wines, with the mineral and tannic signature of Malbec on the Lot causses.
Côtes du Lot IGP: the freedom of Quercy
IGP is a broader frame. For Côtes du Lot, it allows:
- A wider geographic zone covering the whole Lot department.
- All three colours: red, rosé, white.
- More grape varieties: alongside Malbec/Merlot/Tanat, Chenin, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc.
- Slightly more generous yields.
- More freedom on blends and styles.
That freedom lets a Quercy estate make what AOC forbids: a rosé (our Rosé des Trois Frères), a dry oak-aged white (our Chenin Doré 2023), or more experimental cuvées.
Quick comparison
| Criterion | Cahors AOC | Côtes du Lot IGP |
|---|---|---|
| Colours | Red | Red, rosé, white |
| Main grape | Malbec (≥70%) | Variable |
| Geographic zone | South-east Lot | All of Lot department |
| Yield | Lower | More generous |
| Style | Structured, typed | Variable |
| Cellaring | 3–15 years | 1–5 years on average |
How to choose
Pick a Cahors AOC when you want a structured red for rich dishes, a bottle to keep a few years, the historical South-West identity in the glass.
Pick a Côtes du Lot IGP when you want a rosé or a white from Quercy (impossible in AOC), a more immediate fruit-driven red, or an everyday table wine.
On our estate
At Clos de Pougette we produce in AOC Cahors: Tradition 2023, Clos de Pougette 2022, Hauts de Pougette 2021 (Hachette selection), and our BIB Cahors. In Côtes du Lot IGP: Rosé des Trois Frères, Chenin Doré Sec 2023 oak-aged, and our BIB rosé.
Both ranges share the same organic farming, hand-harvesting, family know-how. The difference is regulatory — and creative.
In short
AOC vs IGP isn't about quality, it's about frame. AOC sets a strict identity standard; IGP leaves more room for diversity. On the same organic estate, they coexist — each with its own role. The right choice depends on the moment, the dish, and your mood.
To go further, browse our full catalogue.