Land of red wines above all in the minds of enthusiasts, the South-West region also produces some superb white wines that are well worth discovering!
This vast winegrowing area of over 55,000 hectares is home to numerous appellations, each with its own identity and unique terroir.
After exploring the region's red wines in our previous article, we now set out to discover the regional white wines! Grape varieties, appellations, styles and food and wine pairings, the South-West will hold no more secrets for you after reading this!
White grape varieties and appellations of the South-West
As mentioned in the introduction, the South-West is above all a land of reds. These account for 70% of regional production, compared to just 20% for white wines and 10% for rosés. Nevertheless, the region's whites offer such diversity that they are well worth exploring.
Spread over 12 departments, the South-West wine region boasts 16 AOCs (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) and 11 PGIs (Protected Geographical Indication). From the mountainous landscapes of the Pyrenees to the sandy soils of the Landes and the Lot Valley, the region features a highly diverse topography and climate, allowing for the production of a wide range of wine styles.
Consequently, to explore the region without getting lost, we will first divide it into 4 main sub-regions, highlighting for each the appellations and grape varieties you are likely to encounter. Enjoy your journey!
The Bergeracois
Neighboring the Bordeauxvineyard, the Bergeracois has long suffered from comparison. Today, this historic vineyard seems to have found its own path and stands out thanks to the dynamism of the new generations.
Here, the key white grape varieties are Sauvignon, Sémillon and Muscadelle. Occasionally, a little Chenin may also be included in the blends.
Covering 7,000 hectares, the Bergerac and Côtes-de-Bergerac AOCs account for 70% of this part of the South-West vineyard. Other appellations producing dry, semi-sweet, or sweet white wines here include Montravel, Saussignac, Côtes de Duras, Monbazillac, and Rosette.
The Garonne Valley
Mainly centered on the Lot-et-Garonne department, the Garonne Valley vineyard produces predominantly red wine. White wines are therefore less represented and quite similar to those from the Bergeracois. The grape varieties are also the same between the two regions.
The appellations producing white wines here are Buzet and Côtes du Marmandais. The overwhelming majority of wines is produced by cooperative wineries.
The Haut Pays
Located to the southeast of Bergerac and further inland, the Haut Pays vineyard is also almost entirely dedicated to red wine. The famous Cahors appellation, as well as Fronton, Saint-Sardos, and the Coteaux du Quercy, do not produce white wine.
The Gaillac AOC is one of the few here to produce both dry and sweet whites thanks to the grape varieties Len-de-l'el, Mauzac, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon. Two micro-appellations also produce dry white wines thanks to Chenin and sometimes Mauzac: Entraygues-Le-Fel and Estaing.
The Pyrenean Foothills
Located at the far south-west of the French vineyard, the Pyrenean Foothills include the vineyards of Gascogne, Béarn, and the Basque Country. While the area is also renowned for its reds, a fine diversity of white wines is nevertheless offered, ranging from dry to sweet, including semi-sweet.
Many appellations here produce white wines: Béarn-Bellocq, Tursan, Irouléguy, and Jurançon are fine examples. Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is entirely dedicated to white wines, from dry to sweet.
The Gascogne PGI also enjoys a strong reputation, while the more discreet Landes PGI and Ariège PGI offer some delightful, easy-drinking white wines.
The main grape varieties here are Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng. Very often blended as they are complementary, the former brings body to the palate and is quite productive, while the latter imparts freshness and finesse.
Several indigenous grape varieties are also used in the region, such as Raffiat de Moncade, Petit Courbu, and Arrufiac. Within the region's PGIs, many other varieties are also permitted, such as Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc, and Colombard.
White wine styles of the South-West
Given the great diversity of appellations, grape varieties, and terroirs in the South-West vineyard, it is extremely complex to summarize in a few lines the styles of white wines produced in the region.
Nevertheless, to give you a global overview, we will describe here the main styles of white wines from the most important appellations in the area:
- Bergerac AOC: the white wines of the Bergerac AOC are dry (without residual sugar) and offer a lovely indulgentmouthfeel. They are generally fruity and floral and express notes of citrus, peach, and apricot. A round texture is often present on tasting.
- Monbazillac AOC : with 2,320 hectares, Monbazillac is the largest appellation in the world dedicated to sweet wines. Harvested by successive selections, the grapes here produce cuvées with a golden color in their youth, turning amber after a few years of aging. Aromas of roasted fruits, gingerbread, and honey emerge on the nose and palate. From 85g/L, the mention Selection de grains nobles appears on the bottles.
- Gaillac AOC: this appellation allows for the production of almost every type of wine: red, white, rosé, sparkling, and sweet are all made on the 3,150 hectares of the AOC area. The dry whites here are mainly fruit-driven and offer notes of apple, pear, and white flowers. Sometimes, some are aged in oak barrels, bringing roundness and structure. Finally, the sweet Gaillac wines express candied fruit notes, of quince, pear, and baked apples.
- Jurançon AOC: the 1,000 hectares of the appellation produce exclusively white wines, mainly semi-sweet or sweet. The vines are mostly planted on very steep slopes with excellent exposure. The aromatics are very expressive here, evoking exotic fruits, sweet spices, and candied fruits for the sweet wines. The sweet wines of the appellation (over 45g/L) are great for aging and develop notes of honey, vanilla, and almond.
- Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC: The 250 hectares of the appellation are entirely dedicated to white wine, from dry to sweet. The landscapes here are hilly, and the vines benefit from an oceanic climate with continental influence. The semi-sweet and sweet wines make up the majority of production and express notes of exotic fruits, peach, ripe apricot and sweet spices. These are powerful wines and great for aging. The dry whites are generally meant to be enjoyed young. They express notes of citrus, peach, pear, and exotic fruits.
- Côtes de Gascogne PGI: Covering more than 13,000 hectares of vines, we had to mention this flagship PGI! White wines account for 85% of production and are among the most exported in the world. The dry whites are lively, fruity and express notes of green apple, citrus and lots of freshness. The semi-sweet and other sweet wines are appreciated for their natural expressiveness and great indulgentmouthfeel.
Of course, many other appellations produce white wines in the region. So don't forget Saussignac, Côtes de Bergerac, Irouléguy, or even some PGIs such as those from the Landes or Côtes-du-Tarn!
What to eat with South-West white wines ?
As you may have gathered, the nuances of expression in the region's white wines are vast! As a result, it is possible to pair regional cuvées with many dishes.
Thus, the light, fruity, and low-alcohol dry whites from Côtes de Gascogne will pair perfectly as an aperitif with seafood (especially oysters), as well as with seasonal salads or goat cheeses such as Ossau-Iraty.
For dry whites with more indulgentbody and roundness, such as those from the Bergerac, Irouléguy, or Pacherenc de Vic-Bilh appellations, pairings with fish in sauce (salmon, cod), scallops, or even poultry can be easily imagined.
With the region's semi-sweet and sweet wines , foie gras is an absolute must, as is Roquefort or other blue cheeses. Finally, for dessert, an apple tart or a delicious Périgord walnut cake will pair perfectly with the aromas and indulgentmouthfeel of these wines.
What serving temperatures for South-West white wines ?
First of all, the region's dry and lively whites are ideally enjoyed between 8-10°C. The idea here is to highlight the freshness and tension that make these cuvées so appealing.
For dry white wines offering more body and roundness on the palate, a serving temperature between 11-13°C is best to respect the more complex aromatics of these bottles.
Finally, for semi-sweet and sweet wines from the region, 8-10°C is also the perfect temperature so that the sugar in these delicious bottles is not perceived as too heavy on the palate during tasting.
Conclusion
You are now a true connoisseur of South-West white wines! And as you have seen throughout this article, the region offers a great diversity of styles thanks, among other things, to its terroirs and indigenous grape varieties.
From lively, fresh white wines for pleasure to powerful sweet wines, the region's cuvées can be enjoyed both as an aperitif and throughout your meal from starter to dessert.
All that remains is for you to take the plunge and create the selection that best suits your tastes. And to do so, don't hesitate to call on La Cave Éclairée! Cheers!
