South West (97)

South-Western France. Or: the endless wine journey

Anyone setting out to explore the wines of the Sud-Ouest region should bring plenty of time and be prepared for delicious surprises. In addition to famous AOCs like Bergerac, Cahors, or Armagnac, there are exquisite local flavor nuances to discover in the Sud-Ouest, many of which are still waiting for their debut on the international wine stage.

The most significant wine-growing areas of Sud-Ouest

Apart from their location on the French map, the wine-growing areas of the Sud-Ouest have only one thing in common: the Atlantic climate brings a lot of moisture in the relatively mild winter and the stormy spring, as well as warm summers and plenty of sunshine well into autumn. On the many different soils, numerous, partly indigenous or elsewhere disappeared grape varieties thrive. Accordingly, the wine styles vary.

Bergerac and the Dordogne Valley

The permeable sandy soils interspersed with pebbles of the Bordelais continue into the neighboring Bergeracois. Accordingly, the red wines of both regions are similar: in Bergerac and the southern adjacent appellations Côtes de Duras, Côtes du Marmandais, and Buzet, smooth Merlots, powerful Cabernet Sauvignons, and crisp, fresh Cabernet Francs thrive.

In the more limestone-rich locations of Montravel in the south of Bergeracois, only white wine is produced. Sauvignon Blancs with vibrant fruity acidity dominate, as well as sweet wines from the Sémillon grape, which are developed into elegant dessert wines in the appellations Monbazillac and Saussignac.

Cahors

Many winemakers in Cahors would object to classifying their full-bodied wines as variations of Bordeaux style. In the winter of 1956, almost all the vines on the gravel terraces along the Lot and the limestone plateaus of the Central Massif fell victim to a frost disaster. The necessary replanting gave Cahors the opportunity to distinguish itself from its big neighbor. Unlike Bordeaux, where predominantly Merlots and the two Cabernets are grown, the region relies on its traditional, less sensitive grape varieties, particularly Malbec, often vinified as a single varietal like the L'Atelier Malbec Cahors AOC from Crocus. In blends, Malbec must dominate with at least 70 percent, and subtler notes typically come from Merlot and Tannat. An excellent example is the Château de Haute-Serre Grand Vin Cahors from Maison Georges Vigouroux.

Gaillac

In a way, the red wines from Gaillac are the epitome of a Sud-Ouest wine: rarely do so many different grape varieties find themselves in close proximity as in this subregion. Among the most interesting variations are the local grapes Duras and Fer de Marcillac, often blended with Gamay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or/and Merlot. The classic white grape variety of Gaillac is Mauzac. Made into a crisp white wine, it brings apple-like notes into play, while Mauzac dessert wines are characterized by the aroma of fully ripe pears.

Gascogne

Bold, headstrong, and temperamental, a true Gascon like the musketeer Charles de Batz-Castelmore d'Artagnan: the qualities used by Alexandre Dumas to describe the region's most famous son can be found in Madiran, probably the most characterful wine of the Sud-Ouest. Its foundation, the Tannat grape, produces a dark, heavy, powerful, and exceptionally tannin-heavy red wine with enormous aging potential (that is best fully utilized). The Madiran Plénitude from Producteurs Plaimont from 2011 can comfortably age for another five to seven years. From southern Gascogne, at the foot of the Pyrenees, come two white wines, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh and Jurançon, which are produced in both dry (sec) and sweet (moelleux) styles.

Interesting facts about the Sud Ouest wine region

Why does the share of AOC wines in the Sud Ouest only amount to 25 percent of total wine production?

Many, especially smaller wineries in the villages of the Sud Ouest do not even strive for AOC status for their best wines. The acquisition and maintenance of this classification are always associated with high costs and a lot of effort for the operation. About two-thirds of the regional wines are IGPs (formerly Vins de Pays), and the rest is sold locally only.

What makes the IGP Côtes de Gascogne particularly outstanding?

Nowhere in France is more white Vin de Pays produced than in Gascogne. From the region of Gers, over 100 million bottles of white wine are produced every year. The IGP Gascogne is famous for fresh, uncomplicated summer wines. Grape varieties like Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Colombard are characterized by grassy-green aromas and zesty acidity. The Horgelus Blanc Côtes de Gascogne from Domaine Horgelus, for instance, a blend of the last two grape varieties, impresses with its lively yet elegant acidity structure and mineral notes - and it didn't win the gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole 2018 for nothing.

Geographically, the IGP Côtes de Gascogne coincides with the AOC Armagnac, from which France's oldest known spirit originates. While the history of Cognac begins in the 17th century, the first written mention of the brandy from Gascogne can be found in a document from 1461. Armagnac is often referred to as the "little brother" of Cognac - largely because it is much rarer.

What exactly is Black Wine from Cahors?

From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, Black Wine was one of the most popular export goods leaving the port of Bordeaux. Its distinctive color was due to the pressing of oven-dried grapes or concentrated grape must. Modern Cahors wines, on the other hand, derive their characteristic dark purple-black hue from the deep-colored grape varieties Malbec and Tannat.

Discover wines from Sud Ouest online at VINELLO

Enjoy top wines from the French wine region Sud Ouest at affordable prices from our online shop. At VINELLO, you will find a representative selection of winemakers and wineries from Sud Ouest. You can shop safely with us and look forward to a quick delivery of your order. In addition, we offer you a variety of payment options from which you can choose your preferred method.

Another advantage at VINELLO: Our sommeliers are available by phone for comprehensive advice to help you explore the world of Sud Ouest wines. This way, you can find your favorites more easily and quickly, whether for a special occasion, an evening with friends, or your own private enjoyment.