Steeped in a wine-growing history spanning several thousand years, the region of Southwest is distinguished by red wines with very diverse profiles but a unique character. With 16 AOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) and 11 IGP (Protected Geographical Indication), the vineyard extends over a vast territory containing specificities.
In this article, we will dive into the very heart of this wealth and explore the red wines of the region. So, get ready for a journey full of discovery: grape varieties, appellations, terroirs and gastronomy will be discussed here for your greatest pleasure!
History of the vineyard from the South West
The South-West vineyard is among the oldest in France. This is established from the roman conquest and develops from the Middle Ages under the impetus of the monasteries. We owe the first written traces on this to the monks during the 9th century.
Three centuries later, in 1189 , Pope Alexander III consecrates Santiago de Compostela as a holy city. Due to its location, the South-West region then logically constitutes an important crossing point for believers between northern Europe and Spain. Many monasteries were therefore created during this period, the monks also developing several vineyards.
Another significant event occurred for the South-West vineyard at the end of the 19th century . THE phylloxera , a type of aphid that arrived in Europe from the United States, then ravaged the entire European vineyard. Local plantations were no exception and will be almost all wiped out during this painful episode. Fortunately, the tenacity and love of the land of the following generations will allow it to be reborn little by little.
Today, the South-West is a true paradise for wine lovers. Long in the shadow of its neighbour Bordeaux, the last few decades have also marked a strong emancipation of the region as well as a real one affirmation of its typicalities .
Red grape varieties and appellations of the South-West
Located on one side between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central, and on the other side between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the South-West vineyards cross 12 departments and evolves on very varied soils and in very varied climates.
In order to find one's way, it is therefore necessary to distinguish several subsets in this vast territory of 55,000 hectares of vines , producing for 70% of the red wine , 20% of the white wine and 10% of the pink .
The Bergeracois
Extending the Bordeaux vineyard To the east, the Bergerac region is separated from it only by purely administrative boundaries that do not correspond to any geological reality. For a long time, this wine-growing region therefore lived in the shadow of Bordeaux. The latter is freeing itself from it little by little thanks to the dynamism of the new generation, well that the grape varieties are very similar between the two vineyards.
THE grapes the most present are in fact the Merlot (majority), the Cabernet Sauvignon , THE Cabernet Franc as well as the Malbec . Others Less renowned grape varieties are also planted, such as Mérille, Fer Servadou and Périgord.
The appellations of red wines are here Bergerac , Bergerac Coast , Pecharmant , Montravel And Duras Coasts . If we add to this the AOCs dedicated to whites or to sweet (Monbazillac, Rosette, Saussignac etc.), the whole covers nearly 10 000 hectares .
The Garonne Valley
Very close to Bergerac further south, this part of the vineyard is evolving mainly on the department of Lot and Garonne and has grape varieties very similar to Bergeracois.
The names are here Brulhois , Buzet , Marmandais Coasts and cover a little less than 4 000 hectares .
The High Country
Located a little further east inland, the Haut-Pays vineyard has a very distinct identity from the two previous ones. Indeed, the red grape varieties here vary according to the appellations.
HAS Cahors , Malbec is king and can be accompanied by Merlot and Tannat. On the AOC Pediment , it's the Negrette who is the star. On Gaillac , the Duras, the Fer Servadou (or Braucol) and the Syrah are employed.
On the Quercy hillsides, Cabernet Franc is the majority, supplemented by Malbec, Merlot, Tannat and sometimes even Gamay . Finally, the little AOC Saint-Sardos mainly uses Syrah, supplemented by the Tannat, Cabernet-franc and Merlot varieties.
The Pyrenean Piedmont
In the far southwest of the vineyard, sometimes flirting with the Spanish border and playing on mountain influences, this wine-growing area brings together renowned appellations for red wines such as Madiran And Irouléguy . Other AOCs as Tursan Or Saint-Mont are also worth a visit.
Here is the grape variety Tannat which is in the majority. The latter can also be blended with other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc or Fer Servadou.
Southwest Red Wine Styles
Given the incredible diversity of appellations, grape varieties and terroirs of the South-West vineyard, it is extremely complex to summarize in a few lines the styles of wines produced in the region.
However, in order to facilitate general understanding, we will describe here the main styles of red wines. from the appellations having the highest notoriety in the region.
- Bergerac and Bergerac Coasts : Made from Merlot and two Cabernets, Bergerac red wines are often made in a simple, fruity style, and present very good value for money . The Bergerac Coasts often offer more aromatic depth, intensity and structure.
- Duras, Brulhois, Buzet and Marmandais hills : The wines of these appellations also offer very good value for money . The vast majority of production is carried out by cooperative cellars . Once again, the pleasure is there with simple wines, but balanced and pleasant.
- Pediment : The originality of this appellation clearly lies in its majority grape variety: the Negrette The red wines here are frank and develop notes of black and red fruits as well as fine spicy touches. Pleasure and simplicity , once again!
- Cahors : In the past, Cahors and its famous Malbec embodied powerful, intense and full-bodied wines . If this style still exists, the new generation is breaking the codes to offer more digestible and elegant juices with fine tannins. We therefore find here wines of friends focused on the fruit like great wines for laying down!
- Gaillac : Brucol, Duras, Prunelart and Syrah are the main grape varieties of this appellation. The majority of the red vintages evolve on notes of red and black fruits with a touch of spices. Simple and fruity .
- Madiran & Irouléguy : Paradise of the Tannat , these appellations develop complex red wines with massive tannins There is real ambition here among the winegrowers and although low-priced vintages exist, the terroirs here are of very high quality, allowing the production of great wines.
What to eat with red wines from the South West ?
Once again, it is complicated to summarize in a few lines all the possibilities of culinary pairings existing with red wines from the South-West. However, in order to popularize and get to the point, we Here are some suggestions.
So, for wines focused on fruit and pleasure like those of Bergerac or Fronton, beautiful understandings can exist with the poultry in sauce or some charcuterie boards . We can even imagine agreements with some cheeses (Rocamadour, Pélardon, Ossau-Iraty etc.) for the wines them lighter!
On the other hand, full-bodied and tannic bottles like those from Madiran, Irouléguy or Côtes-de-Bergerac will pair better with local gastronomy like cassoulet And THE duck confit . Of the grilled meats as the lamb and the beef or even game are also great ideas.
In any case, be careful not to serve the region's red wines too hot! A serving temperature between 16-18°C will indeed be ideal so that they retain all their freshness.
Cassoulet, a dish to pair with powerful and tannic wines
As you may have realized through this reading, the red wines of the South-West form a fascinating mosaic of flavors, stories and terroirs. From the power of Madiran to the elegance of Frontonnais, each appellation makes a unique contribution to the regional whole.
Native grape varieties c cultivated under varied climates indeed give rise to wines of great diversity , allowing in particular delicious gastronomic pairings.
SO, abandon your preconceived ideas and set off to discover the fabulous red wines of the South-West! And if you want to discover the white wines of the region, don't hesitate to read our other article Discovering the white wines of the South West !
Finally if you need advice, The Illuminated Cellar will be happy to help you!
