The vineyards in the Cahors wine producing area are among the oldest in France. Already present on the London market in 1225, there was a huge export trade, with more than 40,000 barrels being transported every year at the beginning of the 14th century. A temperate climate and a traditionally sunny autumn ensure that the grapes reach perfect ripeness and result in good quality harvests. The terroir is harmoniously distributed between limestone plateaus ("causses"), consisting of scree and clay, and the Lot valley with terraces of alluvial deposits. The wines of Cahors are powerful and strongly coloured. On the palate, they are full-bodied with subtle aromas and flavours. A lively red or almost black colour, there is a great deal of variety in Cahor's wines; they can be severe and tannic, or rich and velvety, depending on the terroir and their age.