South West of France Wine Region

The South West Wine Region

 

South West France (“le Sud-Ouest” in French) is a wine region spanning across 500 km from the Pyrenees mountain chain in the South-West to the Massif Central in the North-East. There are 50,000 hectares of vineyards covering the upstream areas inland from Bordeaux, around the rivers Dordogne and Garonne and their tributaries, as well as the wine-producing areas of Gascony, and the Northern Basque Country. The city of Toulouse is situated roughly halfway between the South-West wine region and the Languedoc-Roussillon on the Mediterranean Sea.

 

From the Antiquity to the Middle-Ages

 

The South-West region was first cultivated by the Romans, the valleys slopes are well irrigated, the climate is mild, the rivers navigable, and the region had a flourishing wine trade long before the Bordeaux vineyard was planted.

 

The wine trade was a little disturbed by the fall of the Roman Empire but the development of Christianity will allow a new development. The Visigoths kingdom of Toulouse stabilized the region for almost 3 centuries. But the successive invasions by the Moors and the Vikings in the 8th century destroyed the vine: between the uprooting and the destruction of the maritime trade, the vineyards of the Southwest experienced a very difficult period.

 

The climate of the inland region was generally warmer and more favorable than in Bordeaux, allowing the grapes to be harvested earlier and the wines to be of a stronger alcohol level, but the wine-growers of the South-West do not benefit from good communication axes to sell their productions, the port of La Rochelle having been closed to exports to Northern Europe, they would descend via the tributaries of the Dordogne and Garonne to be sent to markets along the Atlantic coast. As the port city of Bordeaux became established, wines from the South-West must quickly learn to bow before the domination of the Bordeaux wine merchants.

 

An unfair decision

 

The story begins with the marriage in 1152 of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England, who brought Aquitaine into the Plantagenet Empire. As the most important port on the Atlantic coast, Bordeaux exercised control over the entry and exit of wines produced in large quantities on the Garonne. These wines take the name of "High Country Wines", whose quality is recognized. The wines are named by the name of the port which sends them: Cahors, Gaillac, Moissac…

 

Once in Bordeaux, part of the wines are loaded onto long-haul vessels and sold under the name of the regions of origin. The other part is bought by the merchants of the city and are used to make their own wines before exporting the resulting blend. This is how the merchant of Bordeaux established their reputation and Cahors or Gaillac wines slowly lost their identity.

 

Moreover, in 1241, Bordeaux winegrowers obtained a privilege from King Henry III of England, prohibiting wines from the “High Country” from entering the port of Bordeaux before Christmas. These important tax and customs privileges allowed Bordeaux wines to appropriate major markets.

 

Until modern ways of transportation were developed much later on, Bordeaux wine merchants effectively kept their wines under the spotlight, whereas the wine from South West France were eclipsed in their shadows. We can still see the price difference between the 2 regions today, and the general public lack of awareness for this great wine region.

 

From the French Revolution to the Modern Era

 

In 1773, Louis XVI ended the Bordeaux privilege. However, the vineyards of the Southwest did not profit long because the wars of the Revolution and the Empire came to block the maritime trade of Bordeaux.

 

The arrival of Phylloxera in the 1860s would devastate the vineyard and this plague affected the South West more severely because a large part of its land was devoted to viticulture. By bringing together Bordeaux and the rest of the Southwest, the region was considered the most important producer of wine in the world.

 

It took almost a century for the vineyards of the Southwest to recover from this dramatic crisis, aggravated by the economic decline of the 1880s. Some winegrowers were able to replant their vines using American rootstocks, the only way found to immunize them against the disease.

 

The revival of the region will emerge, paradoxically, from a new catastrophe. The 1956 frost wiped out part of the vines and only the most motivated winegrowers replanted. Thanks to their enthusiasm and the technical and financial contribution of returnees from Algeria, we are witnessing the rebirth of this vineyard, which is gradually regaining its acclaim. The restructuring of the vines is accompanied by replanting with qualitative regional or local varieties, already recognized with AOCs such as Bergerac in 1936, or Madiran in 1948.

 

A formidable palette of terroirs and wines

 

The vineyard of the Southwest is located between the Massif Central in the northeast, the Pyrenees chain in the south, and the Atlantic in the west. Hence, the climate is quite contrasted.

 

The heart of the southwest (Gers, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Haute-Garonne and Ariège), located halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, has a double climatic influence. The Pays Basque in the south benefits from the mildness and humidity of the Atlantic Ocean and the harsh climates created by the proximity of the Pyrenees chain. In the north, in the Lot and Aveyron, the climate is more continental, marked by dry summers.

 

The soil composition varies according to the different terroirs which contribute to the diversity and typicity of the wines from the South-West. There are clay-limestone soils, pebbles, clays, sands, sandstones and limestones.

 

Grape varieties and terroirs

 

The vine stocks diversity is impressive: 300 grape varieties are referenced in the South West, including 120 indigenous grape varieties.

 

Not many people know that South West France is actually the cradle of the world's oceanic grape varieties, the Cabernet family, especially Cabernet Franc, is from the Pyrenees. Merlot, partly made from Cabernet Franc, was first developed in the South West.

 

 

The winegrowers still cultivates many ancient grape varieties which offer flavours of great originality and preserve the marked personality of this wine region:

 

·        White Grapes

Colombard	High-acid, neutral; used in dry whites and Armagnac. Often blended or used for bulk IGP wines.	Gascony, Côtes de Gascogne
Gros Manseng	High-acid, aromatic; used for both dry and sweet wines. More productive than Petit Manseng.	Jurançon, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh
Mauzac	Apple-scented; used in still whites and méthode ancestrale sparkling wines.	Gaillac, Limoux (outside Sud-Ouest)
Petit Manseng	Thick-skinned, low-yielding; key in sweet Jurançon with exceptional ageing potential.	Jurançon, Pacherenc
Arrufiac	Rare; used in blends for Pacherenc. Adds freshness and structure.	Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh
Courbu	Aromatic, low acid; blended for structure in whites.	Irouléguy, Pacherenc
Len de l'El (a.k.a. Loin de l’Œil)	Indigenous to Gaillac; floral, low-acid. Often blended.	Gaillac
Ondenc	Once widespread; now rare. Delicate and low-yielding, sometimes used for sweet or sparkling styles.	Gaillac (very limited)
Baroque	Indigenous to Tursan; full-bodied, aromatic. Nearly extinct, preserved by Eliane Duboscq of Château Laballe.	Tursan (Landes)

 

·        Red Grapes

Tannat	Powerful tannins, high polyphenolics; modern winemaking softens its structure. Age-worthy.	Madiran, Irouléguy
Malbec (Côt/Auxerrois)	Deep color, robust; essential to Cahors (min. 70%).	Cahors, Côtes du Lot
Fer Servadou (Braucol)	Spicy, red-fruited, rustic; often blended.	Gaillac, Marcillac
Négrette	Soft, perfumed, low in tannin and acidity. Unique to Fronton.	Fronton
Duras	Local to Tarn; rustic, peppery, contributes acidity and grip.	Gaillac
Prunelard	Ancient grape; genetic ancestor of Malbec. Tiny plantings, revived by some producers.	Gaillac (experimental use)

 

Key Figures

 

•        Vineyard: 47 000 Hectares.

•        Production: 320 Million Bottles.

•        29 AOPs (30% volume); 13 IGPs (45% volume) and 25% Vin de France.

•        46% red wine, 33% white wine, 8% sweet white, 13% Rosés.

•        Annual turnover: $1.75 billion.

 

The South West Wine Region can be divided into 4 sub-regions:

 

1. Dordogne & Bergerac sub-zone :

(10 AOPs: Bergerac, Côtes-de-Bergerac, Monbazillac, Montravel, Côtes-de-Montravel, Haut-Montravel, Pécharmant, Rosette, Saussignac, Côtes-de-Duras)

 

Bergerac AOP 1936

• Style: Red, white, rosé.
• Grapes: Bordeaux blends (Merlot, Cabernets; Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle).
• Profile: Accessible, food-friendly wines echoing Bordeaux but with more warmth and ripeness.
• Production: 12 000 ha area, 350 000 hl.

 

Côtes-de-Bergerac AOP

• Style: Red.
• Profile: Richer and more concentrated than standard Bergerac; longer maturation required.

 

Monbazillac AOP 1936

• Style: Sweet white only.
• Grapes: Sémillon (min. 90%), Sauvignon, Muscadelle.
• Profile: Botrytised, luscious, honeyed; long ageing potential. (RS in grape must 221g/L or 255g/L for SGN, and 45g/L minimum in resulting wine or 85g for SGN).
• Note: Hand-harvested in tries; among best value sweet wines in France.
• Production: almost 3600 ha, 56 000 hl.

 

 

Montravel AOP 1937

• Style: Dry white and since 2001 red wine.
• Grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Ondenc. Merlot, Cabernets, Malbec.
• Profile: Full-bodied and aromatic, more structured than Bergerac Blanc.
• Production: 240 ha, 1150 hl.

 

Côtes-de-Montravel AOP 1937

• Style: Moelleux (semi-sweet) white.
• Profile: Lighter and fruitier than Monbazillac. (RS in grape must 198g/L and between 25g and 51g/L in resulting wine).

 

Haut-Montravel AOP 1937

• Style: Sweet white.
• Grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Ondenc.
• Profile: Between Côtes-de-Montravel and Monbazillac in richness (RS in grape must 255g/L and 85g/L in resulting wine).

 

Pécharmant AOP 1936

• Style: Red only.
• Grapes: Merlot (dominant), Cabernets, Malbec.
• Profile: Structured, robust, capable of ageing.
• Note: Best reds of the Bergerac area.
• Production: 400 ha, 15 000 hl.

 

Rosette AOP 1946

• Style: Moelleux white.

• Profile: Soft, fruity, delicate; largely local consumption. (RS in grape must 196g/L and between 25g/L and 51g/L in resulting wine).

• Grapes: Similar to Bergerac Blanc.
• Production: 10 ha, 400 hl.

 

Saussignac AOP 1982

• Style: Sweet white (botrytis affected).

• Profile: Noble rot style, richer than Monbazillac. (RS in grape must 272g/L and minimum 18g/L in resulting wine, usually a lot more).

• Note: Focus on small, quality-minded producers.
• Production: 50 ha, 770 hl.

 

Côtes-de-Duras AOP 1937

• Location: Just beyond Bergerac's western edge.
• Style: Red, white, rosé.
• Grapes: Bordeaux blends.
• Profile: Fruity, easy-drinking wines; white can be zesty.
• Production: 1900 ha, 110 000 hl.

 

2. Garonne & Tarn

(5 AOPs: Brulhois, Buzet, Côtes du Marmandais, Fronton, Saint-Sardos)

 

Brulhois AOP 2011

• Location: 200 ha on the left bank of the Garonne River, near Agen.
• Style: Red and rosé only.
• Grapes: Tannat, Malbec, Merlot, Fer, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Profile: Deep color, firm tannins, rustic when young.
• Note: Tannat is key, echoing Madiran’s influence.
• Production: 6500 hl (85% red, 15% rose).

 

Buzet AOP 1973

• Location: 2090 ha. Northwest of Agen, adjacent to the Garonne.
• Style: Red, white, and rosé.
• Grapes: Bordeaux varieties – Merlot, Cabernets, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle.
• Profile: Lush reds with soft tannins, whites are dry and round.
• Note: A cooperative-heavy appellation with sustainability initiatives.
• Production: 2000 ha, 115 000 hl.

 

Côtes du Marmandais AOP 1990

• Location: Just east of Buzet, across the Garonne.
• Style: Red and white.
• Grapes: Merlot, Cabernets, Abouriou (local), Syrah; Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon.
• Profile: Fruity, vibrant reds; whites are light and crisp.
• Note: Abouriou adds rusticity and distinctiveness.
• Production: 1300 ha, 65 000 hl. 

Fronton AOP 1975

• Location: 2000 ha. North of Toulouse, on the Tarn River.
• Style: 60% Red and 40% rosé.
• Grapes: Négrette (min. 50%), blended with Syrah, Cabernet Franc/Sauvignon, Gamay.
• Profile: Floral, spicy, soft tannins; rosés are fragrant.
• Note: Négrette is unique to this AOP.
• Production: 65 000 hl.

 

Saint-Sardos AOP 2011

• Location: Northern edge of the Haute-Garonne.
• Style: 80% Red, 20% rosé.
• Grapes: Syrah, Tannat, Merlot, Cabernet Franc.
• Profile: Fruity, round reds with good color and weight.
• Note: Modern, small-scale AOP with good terroir potential.
• Production: 150 ha, 8 000 hl.

 

3. Lot Valley & Foothills of the Massif Central

(7 AOPs: Cahors, Gaillac, Côtes-de-Millau, Vins-d'Estaing, Entraygues-le-Fel, Marcillac, Coteaux-du-Quercy)

 

Cahors AOP 1971

• Style: Red only.
• Grapes: Malbec (min. 70%), Merlot, Tannat.
• Profile: Deep color, firm tannins, dark fruit, long-lived.
• Terroir: Limestone plateau (causses) and alluvial terraces.
• Production: 4000 ha, 150 000 hl.

 

Gaillac AOP 1938 (for white. Red and Rose in 1970).

• Style: Red, white, rosé, sparkling (méthode ancestrale).
• Grapes: Fer Servadou (Braucol), Duras, Syrah, Len de l’El, Mauzac, Ondenc.
• Profile: Varied styles – 59% rustic reds, 33% floral dry whites, and lightly sparkling Mauzac wines, 8% roses.
• Since 2011: Third appellation in France to be able to use Vendanges Tardives (after Alsace & Jurancon).
• Production: 3900 ha, 160 000 hl. 

 

Côtes-de-Millau AOP 2010

• Location: Near Aveyron’s Viaduct de Millau.
• Style: Red, white, rosé.
• Grapes: Gamay, Syrah, Cabernet, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac.
• Profile: Fresh, vibrant, with altitude influence.
• Production: 50 ha, 2 000 hl.

 

Vins d’Estaing AOP 2011

• Tiny AOP in Aveyron; one of France’s smallest.
• Style: Red, white, rosé.
• Grapes: Gamay, Fer, Chenin, Mauzac.
• Profile: Light-bodied, local interest.
• Production: 15 ha, 500 hl.

 

Entraygues-le-Fel AOP 2011

• Location: Aveyron, along the Lot River.
• Style: Red, white, rosé.
• Grapes: Similar to Estaing.
• Profile: Delicate wines with freshness from altitude.
• Production: 20 ha, 900 hl.

 

 

Marcillac AOP 1990

• Style: Red and rosé.
• Grape: Fer Servadou / Mansois (90%).
• Profile: Bright acidity, red fruit, herbal; classic rustic charm.
• Production: 200 ha, 8 000 hl.

 

Coteaux du Quercy AOP 2000

• Location: Near Cahors, Lot & Tarn-et-Garonne.
• Style: Red and rosé.
• Grapes: Cab Franc (min. 40%), Merlot, Malbec, Tannat.
• Profile: Fruity with structure, meant for early drinking.
• Production: 400 ha, 13 000 hl.

 

4. Basque Country & Pyrenean Foothills

(8 AOPs: Floc-de-Gascogne, Béarn, Irouléguy, Jurançon, Madiran, Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh, Tursan, Saint-Mont)

 

Floc de Gascogne AOP 1990

• Style: Vin de liqueur (mistelle) white and rose.
• Grapes: 1/3 Armagnac + 2/3 grape must (Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Gros Manseng, Cabernets, Cot, Fer, Merlot, Tannat).
• Profile: Aromatic, sweet aperitif served around 6 °C.
• Production: 800 ha, 7 000 hl.

 

Béarn AOP 1975

• Style: Red, white, rosé.
• Grapes: Tannat, Cabernets, Mansengs.
• Profile: Rustic reds, aromatic whites.
• Note: Overlaps with Jurançon and Madiran zones.
• Production: 250 ha, 13 000 hl.

 

 

Irouléguy AOP 1970

• Location: French Basque Country.
• Style: 70% Red, 10% white, 20% rosé.
• Grapes: Tannat, Cabernets, Courbu, Petit/Gros Manseng.
• Profile: Mountain freshness; ageable reds, textured whites.
• Note: Tiny area with heroic viticulture on terraces.
• Production: 240 ha, 7 000 hl.

 

Jurançon AOP 1936

• Style: 2/3 Sweet and 1/3 dry white.
• Grapes: Petit and Gros Manseng (minimum 50%), courbu, camaralet, Lauzet.
• Profile: Dry – zesty, aromatic; Sweet – concentrated, honeyed, high acidity.
• Method: Late harvest; not always botrytised.
• Production: 1000 ha, 35 000 hl.

 

 

Madiran AOP 1948

• Style: Red only.
• Grapes: Tannat (min. 60%, often 100%).
• Profile: Dense, tannic, long-lived; modern techniques (e.g., micro-oxygenation) tame the structure.
• Note: Flagship red AOP of the South West.
• Production: 1200 ha, 60 000 hl.

 

Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOP 1948

• Style: Dry and sweet white.
• Grapes: Petit/Gros Manseng, Arrufiac, Courbu.
• Profile: Sweet wines are luscious and balanced; dry wines are structured and floral.
• Note: Produced in same area as Madiran.
• Production: 280 ha, 9 000 hl.

 

Tursan AOP 2011

• Location: Landes.
• Style: Red, white, rosé.
• Grapes: Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Baroque (white).
• Profile: Unique due to Baroque grape; reds are firm, whites aromatic.
• Note: Small and distinctive.
• Production: 450 ha, 20 000 hl.

 

Saint-Mont AOP 2011

• Style: Red, white, rosé.
• Grapes: Tannat, Pinenc (Fer), Cabernets. Whites : Arrufiac, Petit Courbu, Mansengs.
• Profile: High-quality, often age-worthy; whites are gaining reputation.
• Note: Home to Plaimont co-op, preserving old vines and rare varieties.
• Production: 900 ha, 50 000 hl.