2 stories about the vineyards of the South West that you may not know

How about taking a little tour of the South-West? You are probably familiar with Madiran, Monbazillac, or Jurançon. But did you know that King Henry IV and the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela played a role in the development and fame of some of the wines from this region ?

1. Henry IV Was "Baptized" with Jurançon You may have learned in school that the famous monarch Henry IV was from Pau (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) and that his favorite dish was poule au pot. But he also has a history with Jurançon, one of the flagship wines of the South-West. According to legend, the king was baptized with this wine... in the literal sense. Indeed, his grandfather Henri d'Albret is said to have presented him with a glass of Jurançon wine at his baptism to mask the taste of garlic cloves that had been rubbed on his lips, which made him grimace. The infant is said to have smelled the wine before taking a small sip. It seems he was destined for this wine!

2. Wines Developed by the Pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela If you've visited the South-West a bit, you may have noticed that vineyards are everywhere. And for good reason: with an area of over 80,000 hectares, the South-West vineyard is among the largest in France. A significant portion of the South-West terroirs is located along the route of the famous pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, including the Arles route, which encompasses the Jurançon terroir. This location is due to the important role played by Benedictine monks in the 11th and 12th centuries, who planted vineyards along churches and abbeys. If you ever have the courage to take your walking stick and head to Spain, don't miss the wine fountain of Irache, located a few kilometers from the exit of Estella (northern Spain).

FAQ - South-West vineyard

Why is Henry IV said to have been baptized with Jurançon?

According to legend, his grandfather Henri d'Albret presented him with a cup of Jurançon at his baptism to mask the taste of garlic rubbed on his lips. The infant is said to have smelled the wine before taking a small sip.

What are the flagship wines of the South-West vineyards?

The best-known appellations include Madiran, Monbazillac and Jurançon. The latter, a white from the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, remains one of the region's emblematic wines.

How large is the South-West vineyard?

It covers more than 80,000 hectares, making it one of the largest wine-growing areas in France.

What role did the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela play in the vineyards?

A large share of the South-West terroirs lies along the Compostela routes. Benedictine monks planted vines beside churches and abbeys during the 11th and 12th centuries.

Where is the Irache wine fountain located?

It stands in northern Spain, a few kilometers from the exit of Estella, on the Compostela route. Pilgrims can fill their flask with wine there for free.