Southwestern wines

The wine-growing southwest of France is a mosaic of small, ancient vineyards. As early as the 1st century, Prince Probus gave his name to a vineyard in Cahors. The winegrowers of the Southwest benefited from the English presence in Aquitaine, but for a long time remained in the shadow of the Bordeaux vineyards, suffering in particular from a lack of communication routes. It wasn't until the 1970s that new impetus was given to the Sud-Ouest's production and reputation.

The vineyards of the Sud-Ouest total 70,000 hectares of vines, spread over four main regions: Guyenne, Gascogne, the Haut-Pays, which includes production from the Garonne, Lot and Tarn rivers, and the Pyrenees. The diversity of terroirs includes renowned appellations as varied as Madiran, Pécharmant, Cahors, Pacherec du Vic Bilh, Monbazillac, Comte Tolosan Bergerac, Buzet, Fronton, Côtes de Gascogne and Gaillac. The climate of the South-West is oceanic, with Mediterranean influences in the easternmost terroirs. Some South-West vineyards are also subject to the effects of mountainous terrain.

The wines of the South-West are characterized by the use of old grape varieties that are autochthonous or rare elsewhere, such as Abouriou, Cot, Ondenc, Duras, Fer Servadou, Négrette, l'En de l'El, Tannat, Manseng, Courbu, Lauzet, Camaralet and others. Professionals are trying to structure themselves in order to preserve traditional grape varieties and control the arrival of new plants. Some South-Western appellations are available in all three colors, or even sparkling, as in Gaillac, while others are dedicated to white or red wines only, and to complicate matters, sometimes overlap. However, wine lovers will be delighted by this vast range, open in its diversity, supported by originality, and assertive in its character.

Discover the domains of the Sud-Ouest region: Uby, Tariquet, Montus, Combel la Serre, Tour des gendres, Ancienne Cure, Aydie.

For more information, visit the official website for wines from the Sud-Ouest region.