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Gascogne - Wine Between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic

The Côtes de Gascogne is shaped by the Atlantic and the Pyrenees. In the east, the vineyards hug the slopes of the mighty Pyrenees, while in the west they extend to the Atlantic coast. Accordingly, the climatic conditions for Gascogne wine are quite different.

The Gascogne Wine Region 

In the coastal areas, the temperature-moderating Atlantic Ocean is clearly felt. The climate here is milder, but it rains more frequently. In the wine-growing areas at the foot of the Pyrenees, a continental climate prevails, with large temperature differences between day and night. The relatively long growing season in Gascogne results in wines with concentrated aromas. Gascogne is blessed with an ideal terroir for fruity, elegant, and well-balanced white wines. Therefore, it is not surprising that 90% of the wines grown here are white. The region is also famous for Armagnac. The base for this French spirit is white wines from Gascogne. 

From which grape varieties is wine produced in Gascogne?

In the Côtes de Gascogne, predominantly white wines are cultivated on a total of about 12,000 hectares. The vineyards in this area have a long history, dating back to the Roman era. Gascogne wines are primarily made from local grape varieties such as Courbu, Gros Manseng, Arrufiac, or Colombard, but increasingly, internationally renowned grape varieties like Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon are being cultivated. The white grape varieties account for about 90% of production. Nowadays, about 60% of IGP Côtes de Gascogne wines are exported.

The Syndicat des Producteurs de Vins de Pays Côtes de Gascogne establishes the grape varieties that may be cultivated in Gascogne.

Grape Varieties for White Wine from Gascogne

• Colombard
• Courbu
• Arrufiac
• Gros Manseng
• Ugny Blanc
• Jurançon
• Len de l'El
• Muscadelle
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Sémillon

Grape Varieties for Red and Rosé Wine from Gascogne

• Abouriou
• Cabernet Franc
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Duras
• Fer Servadou
• Malbec
• Merlot
• Négrette
• Blauer Portugieser
• Tannat

What is the climate for wine in Gascogne?

The terroir in the Côtes de Gascogne area is a transitional climate region. Some maritime influences from the Atlantic can still be felt. East of Gers, however, the climate is more continental. In eastern Gascogne, summers are warm and dry, while the coastal areas record higher precipitation amounts.

On what soils does wine grow in Gascogne?

Especially in the warmer and drier areas in the east of Gascogne, there are clay and limestone soils that are characterized by a high water retention capacity. The soils of the coastal vineyards, on the other hand, are predominantly loose and sandy with good drainage properties.

What is Armagnac?

Armagnac is a brandy made from white wine from Gascogne with a protected designation of origin. In the departments of Gers, Landes, and Lot-et-Garonne, about 15,000 hectares of vineyard area are permitted for the production of Armagnac. Unlike Cognac, Armagnac is distilled in a single distillation process. This is followed by aging in oak barrels for 3 to 20 years. The production has a long tradition in the region. The brandy was already mentioned in written documents as early as 1461. 

Recommendations for Wine from Gascogne

Fleur de d'Artagnan is a wine series from the Plaimont winery that truly lives up to its name. For d'Artagnan is the name of the brave fourth Musketeer. Fleur de d'Artagnan wines delight with fresh and unadulterated aromas and a pronounced varietal character. 

2019 Horgelus Blanc Côtes de Gascogne IGP is an excellent white wine from the young winemaker Yoan Le Menn. This fresh and fragrant wine, made from Colombard and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, showcases aromas of tropical fruits, citrus fruits, and flowers with a fine acidity structure.

Buy Gascogne Wines Online at VINELLO

We would like to invite you to try the popular wines from Gascogne. Browse through our selection at your leisure and find your new favorite wine at VINELLO today. We are proud to present a wide range of wines from various parts of the world.

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