A land of red wines above all in the minds of enthusiasts, the region of Southwest yet also produces superb white wines which are worth the detour!
This vast wine-growing territory of more than 55,000 hectares indeed contains many appellations , each enjoying its own identity as well as a unique terroir.
After exploring the region's red wines in our previous article , so here we are, off to the discovery of regional white wines! Grape varieties, appellations, styles and food and wine pairings , the Southwest will no longer hold any 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 represent 70% of regional production, compared to only 20% for white wines and 10% for the rosés . Nevertheless, the region's whites are so diverse that they are worth exploring.
Operating across 12 departments, The South West wine region has 16 AOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) and 11 IGP (Protected Geographical Indication). Between the mountainous landscapes of the Pyrenees and the sandy soils of the Landes or the Lot Valley, the region has a very diverse topography and climates allowing it to produce vintages with varied styles.
Therefore, in order to explore the region without getting lost, we will first divide it into 4 major subsets , evoking for each of them the appellations and grape varieties that you will encounter. Enjoy your walk!
The Bergeracois
Neighbor of the vineyard of Bordeaux , the Bergeracois has long suffered from comparison. This ancient vineyard seems to have found its way today and stands out thanks to the dynamism of the new generations.
Here, the key white grape varieties are Sauvignon , THE Semillon and the Muscadelle . Sometimes a little bit of Chenin can also enter into assemblies.
Covering 7,000 hectares, the AOC Bergerac and Côtes-de-Bergerac represent 70% of this part of the South-West vineyard. The other appellations producing dry, sweet or liqueur white wines here are Montravel, Saussignac, Côtes de Duras, Monbazillac and Rosette .
The Garonne Valley
Mainly centered on the Lot-et-Garonne department, the Garonne Valley vineyard produces very largely red wine . So the white wines are here underrepresented and quite similar to those of Bergeracois. The grape varieties are also the same between the two regions.
THE appellations producing white wines are here Buzet And Marmandais Coasts . The overwhelming majority of wines are produced by cooperative wineries.
The High Country
Located to the South-East of Bergerac and more anchored inland, the The Haut Pays vineyard is also almost entirely devoted to red wine . The famous appellation Cahors but also Fronton, Saint-Sardos or even the Coteaux du Quercy do not produce white wine.
The AOC Gaillac is one of the few here to produce 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 using Chenin and sometimes Mauzac: Entraygues-Le-Fel And Estaing .
The Pyrenean Piedmont
Located in the extreme southwest of the French vineyard, the Pyrenean Piedmont brings together the vineyards of Gascony , of Bearn as well as Basque Country . If the area is also famous for these reds, a beautiful diversity of white wines is nevertheless offered, ranging from dry to sweet to mellow.
Many appellations produce white wines: Bearn-Bellocq , Tursan , Irouléguy or even Jurancon are good examples of this. Pacherenc of Vic-Bilh is entirely dedicated to white wines, ranging from dry to sweet.
The IGP Gascogne also benefits from a good reputation while the more discreet IGP Landes And IGP Ariège offer beautiful little white wines for pleasure.
The majority grape varieties here are: Big Manseng and Petit Manseng Very often assembled because they are complementary, the first brings substance to the mouth and is quite productive while the second distils freshness and finesse.
Several indigenous grape varieties are also used in the region such as Raffiat de Moncade, Little Courbu or Arrufiac. Within the region's PGIs, many other varieties are also authorized, such as Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ugni blanc or Colombard.
White Wine Styles of the Southwest
Given the great 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 white wines produced in the region.
However, in order to give you a vision Overall, we will describe here the main styles of white wines from the most important appellations of the area:
- AOC Bergerac: The white wines of the AOC Bergerac are dry (without residual sugars) and have a lovely deliciousness in the mouth. They are generally fruity and floral and express notes of citrus, peach or even apricot. An enveloping substance is often present during tasting.
- AOC Monbazillac : with 2,320 hectares , Monbazillac is the largest appellation in the world dedicated to sweet wines .Harvested by successive selections, the grapes here produce vintages displaying a gold color in their youth, turning amber after a few years of storage. Aromas of roasted fruits , of gingerbread but also of Honey emerge on the nose as well as in the mouth. From 85g/L, the mention Selection of noble grains appears on the bottles.
- AOC Gaillac: This appellation allows the production of almost all possible types of wine: red, white, rosé, sparkling and sweet are in fact made on the 3,150 hectares of the AOC area. The dry whites mainly evolve here on the fruit and offer notes of apple, pear and white flowers. Sometimes, some are aged in oak barrels, providing roundness and structure. Finally, the Gaillac sweet express for their part notes of candied fruit , of quince , of pear and of baked apples .
- AOC Jurançon: the 1000 hectares of the appellation produce exclusively white wines, mostly semi-dry or sweet . The vines also grow mainly on very steep hillsides enjoying a beautiful exposure. The aromatics are very expressive here and evoke exotic fruits, sweet spices as well as candied fruits for the sweet wines. The sweet wines of the appellation (more than 45g/L) are of beautiful guard and evolve on notes of honey, vanilla and almond.
- AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh: The 250 hectares of the appellation are entirely devoted to white wine from dry to sweet. The landscapes here are hilly and the vines benefit from an oceanic climate with continental influence. The sweet and liqueur wines represent the majority of production and express notes of exotic fruits , of fishing , apricot ripe as well as of sweet spices . These are powerful wines and of good guard. The dry whites are generally intended to be drunk young. The latter express notes of citrus, peach, pear and exotic fruits.
- IGP Côtes de Gascogne: Covering more than 13,000 hectares of vines, we had to mention this PGI lighthouse! White wines here represent 85% of production and are among the most exported in the world. Dry whites are lively, fruity and express notes of green apple, citrus and a lot of freshness . Sweet and other sweet wines are appreciated for their natural expressiveness as well as their great deliciousness.
Of course, many other appellations produce white wines in the region.So don't forget Saussignac, Côtes de Bergerac, Irouléguy and even certain PGIs such as those of Landes or Côtes-du-Tarn!
What to eat with white wines from the South West ?
As you may have understood, the nuances of expression of the region's white wines are vast! Consequently, it is possible to pair regional vintages with many dishes.
Thus, the light, fruity and low-alcohol dry whites of the Côtes de Gascogne will pair perfectly as an aperitif with seafood (oysters in particular), but also on salads seasonal or even goat cheeses like Ossau-Iraty .
For dry whites with more indulgence and roundness, such as those from the Bergerac, Irouléguy or Pacherenc de Vic-Bilh appellations, pairings with fish in sauce (salmon, cod), scallop shells or even of the poultry can be imagined without any problem.
With soft and sweet wines of the region, the foie gras is an absolute must, just like the Roquefort or others blue cheeses . Finally, for dessert, a apple pie or a delicious one Périgord walnut cake will combine perfectly with the aromas and the deliciousness of these wines.
What serving temperatures for whites from the South West? ?
First of all, the dry and lively whites of the region are ideally appreciated between 8-10°C . The idea is indeed here to highlight the freshness and tension so pleasant of these vintages.
For dry white wines but offering more material and roundness in the mouth, a serving temperature between 11-13°C allows for better respect of the more complex aroma of these bottles.
Finally, for the soft and sweet regional , 8-10°C East also the perfect temperature so that the sugar present in these delicious bottles is not perceived as too heavy by our palates when tasting.
Conclusion
You are now a connoisseur of white wines from the South West! And as you have seen through this reading, the region offers a great diversity of styles thanks, among other things, to its indigenous terroirs and grape varieties.
From lively and fresh white wines to powerful sweet wines, the region's vintages can also be enjoyed the aperitif than following your desires from starter to dessert .
Now all you have to do is take the plunge and create the selection that best suits your tastes.And to do this, do not hesitate to call on The Illuminated Cellar ! Health !
