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The South West France wine growing region is extremely vast, with approximately 33,000 hectares of vines and around thirty appellations. Unlike other French wine growing regions, it is fairly scattered and offers very different terroirs and wines. Its climate is oceanic, similar to that of Bordeaux, but given its size there are a lot of nuances.The grape varieties the most used for producing red wine in this region include Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Tannat and Négrette. Sauvignon, Gros and Petit Manseng, Sémillon, Colombard, Mauzac and Arrufiac are the main grape varieties used to produce white wine.Red wines from this region have a certain intensity and extremely tannic richness. They usually need to be kept for a few years before being drunk. Refreshing, the rosés release aromas of small red fruits. The white wines can be dry (no sugar) or quite the opposite, fruity and lively.

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Price

€0.00 - €150.00

Type

Color

Vintage

Viticulture method

Food and wine

Variety

Medal awards

Volume

Alcohol content

Storage

1305

1305

DOMAINE LES ROQUES DE CANA Sud Ouest
€12.00
19.91

19.91

DOMAINE LAOUGUE Sud Ouest
€12.00
Antidote

Antidote

Les Vignerons de Sigoulès Sud Ouest
€8.00
Blanc doux

Blanc doux

Domaine Canto Perlic Sud Ouest
€13.00
Blanc Sec

Blanc Sec

Domaine de Laxé Sud Ouest
€6.90
Boléro

Boléro

Domaine Cauhapé Sud Ouest
€15.90
Camy

Camy

DOMAINE LAOUGUE Sud Ouest
€14.00

South-West

Wines of the South-West

With its gastronomy, landscapes, and wines, the South-West is an ideal destination for all epicureans. As vast as it is varied, this region boasts an incomparable range of local grape varieties that will delight the most curious wine enthusiasts. Long overshadowed by its prestigious Bordeaux neighbor, the South-West vineyard has experienced a true renaissance in recent years, thanks to the efforts of passionate and talented winemakers. Explore our guide to discover the South-West vineyard through its history, appellations, grape varieties, and terroir, and follow our tips for creating the best food and wine pairings with South-West wines.

The History of South-West Wines

While some vineyards in the South-West, such as Gaillac, predate the Roman conquests, most of them expanded during the Middle Ages thanks to the monasteries. Indeed, many vineyards and vines were planted along the Camino de Santiago, quenching the thirst of generations of pilgrims. The vineyards upstream of the Garonne, such as Cahors, Gaillac, and Buzet, however, suffered for a long time from the privileges granted to their powerful Bordeaux neighbors. In fact, certain measures of the time prevented South-West winemakers from selling their production until all the Bordeaux harvests had been sold! Although some vineyards, such as Cahors, Monbazillac, and Jurançon, managed to thrive from the Middle Ages, it was difficult for South-West estates to find their place. Fortunately, after numerous challenges, the phylloxera crisis, and World War I, the region experienced a revival under the influence of talented winemakers and high-quality cooperative cellars.

The Climate and Terroir of South-West Wines

In terms of soil, most South-West vineyards are situated on sedimentary terrains: clay-limestone, molasses, and alluvial terraces. Around the Pyrenees, however, you find more schist, sandstone, and volcanic soils.
The climate in the South-West is oceanic and temperate, with distributed rainfall and plenty of sunshine in summer. Depending on their location, some vineyards benefit from an Atlantic influence, while others, like Gaillac, have more Mediterranean influences.

The Different Appellations of the South-West

Unlike most French vineyards, the South-West does not have a hierarchy in its appellations (regional, village, communal AOCs). Each AOC represents the uniqueness of a terroir, depending on its history, soil, and grape varieties. This is why each appellation and château in the South-West has a well-defined personality that sets it apart from neighboring appellations. Each appellation is classified into four geographical zones:

The Middle Garonne has five appellations:

  • AOC Buzet
  • AOC Fronton
  • AOC Brulhois
  • AOC Côtes du Marmandais
  • AOC Saint-Sardos

Bergerac and Duras have ten appellations:

The Pyrenean foothills have eight appellations:

  • AOC Floc-de-Gascogne
  • AOC Béarn
  • AOC Irouléguy
  • AOC Jurançon
  • AOC Madiran
  • AOC Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh
  • AOC Tursan
  • AOC Saint-Mont

The foothills of the Massif Central have seven appellations:

  • AOP Côtes-de-Millau
  • AOP Cahors
  • AOP Gaillac
  • AOP Vins-d’Estaing
  • AOP Entraygues-le-Fel
  • AOP Marcillac
  • AOP Coteaux-du-Quercy

The South West also offers wines under IGP (IGP Aveyron, IGP Côtes-du-lot, etc.), the most common of which is IGP Côtes de Gascogne.

The Iconic Grape Varieties of the South-West

If there's one area where South-West wines stand out, it's in their incredible variety of grape varieties, many of which are indigenous. This allows wine lovers to satisfy their curiosity by discovering rare and sometimes forgotten grape varieties. With its wide range of white and red grape varieties, the South-West vineyard appeals to many, regardless of their taste preferences.

Malbec (also known as Auxerrois or Côt)

While Malbec is one of the most renowned red grape varieties in Latin America, particularly in Argentina's Mendoza Valley, it originated in the South-West of France. As the emblematic red grape variety of the AOC Cahors appellation, Malbec produces colorful and powerful wines. Its complex aromas of prune, blueberry, and blackcurrant evolve into notes of undergrowth and truffles as it ages. Versatile, Malbec allows for the production of both supple and fruity wines, enjoyable in their youth, as well as intense, full-bodied vintage wines for aging.

Tannat

A key grape variety in the South-West vineyard, especially in the AOP Madiran appellation, Tannat is a very dark-colored red grape, producing robust and structured vintage wines. Although considered a somewhat rough and rustic grape variety due to its acidity and present tannins, when well-crafted and after a few years of aging, Tannat reveals itself to be complex and refined. With its bouquet of black fruits, licorice, and menthol, evolving into notes of undergrowth and leather as it ages, Tannat is a grape variety like no other.

Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng

Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng are two sibling grape varieties, often blended together, found almost exclusively in their native South-West. Mainly cultivated in Béarn and Gascogne, Mansengs produce dry, sweet, and dessert wines in the AOC Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh, AOP Jurançon, AOC Irouléguy, and IGP Côtes de Gascogne appellations. Whether vinified as dry or sweet white wines, Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng are highly aromatic grape varieties, with a range of exotic fruits (pineapple, mango, passion fruit), peach, and citrus, balanced by a refreshing palate.

Other Indigenous Grape Varieties of the South-West

It would be too lengthy to describe every South-West grape variety in detail, as there are many. However, among the most interesting are the following:

South-West Wines: The Best Food and Wine Pairings

South-West Wines with a Starter

If you're craving foie gras as a starter, this is the perfect opportunity to uncork a vintage bottle from an AOP Monbazillac château. This sweet wine, with notes of dried fruits, honey, and roasted fruits, will surely elevate your foie gras toasts. For a charcuterie platter, opt for a supple red AOP Fronton with characteristic licorice and violet aromas. Finally, for a local pairing with a gizzard salad, open a rosé AOP Bergerac bottle from a vineyard with a vinous and colorful profile.

South-West Wines with a Main Course

Why not try a regional food and wine pairing, combining a delicious cassoulet with a vintage bottle from an AOC Cahors red 100% Malbec or an AOC Madiran 100% Tannat? The hearty and generous aspect of this typical South-West dish will be balanced by the acidic and tannic structure of these savory wines. If you prefer fish, go for a dry white AOC Gaillac bottle from a Mauzac-based vineyard. Its fresh apple aromas, minerality, and sapid mouthfeel will surely enhance a baked fish dish.

South-West Wines with Dessert

The appellation that immediately comes to mind when discussing sweet wines is undoubtedly a bottle from an AOP Jurançon château. This sweet white wine, with complex notes of exotic fruits and spices, surprises with its liveliness, balanced with its sweetness. Pairing it with a caramelized pineapple cake will make a sensation! With a crème brûlée, you can opt for a vintage bottle from an AOP Floc de Gascogne vineyard, a wine fortified with Armagnac, whose roundness harmonizes with the vanilla and slightly burnt aromas.

With its varied and original indigenous grape varieties and its multitude of cuvées with distinctive identities, the South-West is undoubtedly a region worth discovering. On Avenue des vins, each cuvée is carefully selected, and your bottles are available for home delivery, directly from the vineyard or château of your choice. Whether you choose a South-West wine or wines from any other region of France, take advantage of our bottles at the best prices with delivery to your home!