Steeped in a millennia-old winemaking history, the Southwest region stands out with red wines that have highly diverse profiles yet a unique character. With 16 AOCs (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) and 11 PGIs (Protected Geographical Indication), the vineyard indeed spans a vast territory full of specificities.
In this article, we will delve into the heart of this richness 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 utmost pleasure!
History of the Vineyard of the Southwest
The vineyard of the Southwest is among the oldest in France. This was established from the Roman conquest and developed from the Middle Ages under the influence of monasteries. In fact, the first written records about it are attributed to monks during the 9th century.
Three centuries later, in 1189, Pope Alexander III consecrated Santiago de Compostela as a holy city. Due to its location, the Southwest region logically became an important passage point for believers between Northern Europe and Spain. Many monasteries were thus established during this period, with monks also developing several vineyards.
Another significant event occurred for the Southwest vineyard at the end of the 19th century.The phylloxera, a type of aphid that arrived in Europe from the United States, devastated the entire European vineyard. The local plantations were no exception and were almost entirely wiped out during this painful episode. Fortunately, the tenacity and love for the land of subsequent generations allowed it to gradually revive.
Today, the Southwest is a true paradise for wine enthusiasts. Long overshadowed by its Bordeaux neighbor, the last few decades have also marked a strong emancipation of the region as well as a true assertion of its distinct characteristics.
Red grape varieties and appellations of the South-West
Located between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central on one side, and between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic on the other, the South-West vineyard spans 12 departments and evolves on very diverse soils and climates.
To navigate, it is necessary to distinguish several sub-regions within this vast territory of 55,000 hectares of vines, producing 70% red wine, 20% white wine and 10% rosé.
The Bergeracois
Extending the Bordeaux vineyard to the East, the Bergeracois is only separated by purely administrative boundaries that do not correspond to any geological reality. For a long time, this wine region lived in the shadow of Bordeaux. It is gradually emancipating itself thanks to the dynamism of the new generation, even though the grape varieties are very similar between the two vineyards.
The most common grapes are indeed Merlot (predominant), Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc as well as Malbec.Other less renowned grape varieties are also planted, such as Mérille, Fer Servadou, and Périgord. The appellations of red wines here include Bergerac, Côte de Bergerac, Pécharmant, Montravel, and Côtes de Duras. If we add to this the AOCs dedicated to whites or sweet wines (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 mainly evolves in the department of Lot-et-Garonne and has a grape variety very similar to that of Bergerac.
The appellations here are Brulhois, Buzet, Côtes du Marmandais and cover just under 4 000 hectares.
The Haut Pays
Located a little further east inland, the Haut-Pays vineyard has a distinct identity from the previous two. Indeed, the red grape varieties vary here according to the appellations.
In Cahors, Malbec is king and can be accompanied by Merlot and Tannat. In the AOC Fronton, Négrette is the star. In Gaillac, Duras, Fer Servadou (or Braucol), and Syrah are used.
On the Coteaux de Quercy, Cabernet Franc is predominant, complemented by Malbec, Merlot, Tannat, and sometimes even Gamay. Finally, the small AOC Saint-Sardos primarily uses Syrah, complemented by Tannat, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot varieties.
The Pyrenean Piedmont
In the far southwest of the vineyard, sometimes flirting with the Spanish border and playing with mountain influences, this wine region includes renowned appellations for red wines such as Madiran and Irouléguy. Other AOCs such as Tursan or Saint-Mont are also worth a visit.
Here, the grape variety Tannat is predominant. It can also be blended with other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Fer Servadou.
The styles of red wines from the South-West
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.
Nevertheless, to facilitate general understanding, we will describe here the main styles of red wines from the most renowned appellations in the region.
- Bergerac and Côtes de Bergerac: Made from Merlot and the two Cabernets, the red wines of Bergerac are often produced in a simple, fruity style, and offer very good value for money. The Côtes-de-Bergerac often offer more aromatic depth, intensity, and structure.
- Côtes de Duras, Brulhois, Buzet, Côtes du Marmandais : The wines from these appellations also offer very good value for money. The vast majority of production is carried out by cooperative cellars. Once again, pleasure is guaranteed with simple, yet balanced and pleasant wines.
- Fronton : The uniqueness of this appellation clearly lies in its predominant grape variety: Négrette. The red wines here are straightforward 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. While this style still exists, the new generation is breaking the mold to offer more digestible and elegant wines with fine tannins. Here, you can find friendly wines focused on fruit as well as great wines for aging!
- Gaillac : Brucol, Duras, Prunelart, and Syrah are the main grape varieties of this appellation. Most red wines evolve with notes of red and black fruits with a hint of spice. Simple and fruity.
- Madiran & Irouléguy : Paradise of Tannat, these appellations produce complex red wines with massive tannins. There is a true ambition present among the winemakers here, and although there are some budget-friendly cuvées, the terroirs are of high quality, allowing for the production of great wines.
What to eat with red wines from the Southwest ?
Once again, it is complicated to summarize in a few lines all the culinary pairing possibilities with red wines from the Southwest. However, in order to simplify and get to the point, we offer you some suggestions here.
Thus, for wines focused on fruit and pleasure like those from Bergerac or Fronton, great pairings can be made with poultry in sauce or charcuterie boards. One can even imagine pairings with certain cheeses (Rocamadour, Pélardon, Ossau-Iraty, etc.) for the lightest wines!
Conversely, robust and tannic bottles like those from Madiran, Irouléguy, or Côtes-de-Bergerac will pair better with local gastronomy such as cassoulet and duck confit. Grilled meats like lamb and beef or even game are also excellent ideas.
In any case, make sure not to serve the red wines from the region too warm! A serving temperature between 16-18°C will indeed be ideal to ensure 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 Southwest 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 ensemble.
The indigenous grape varieties cultivated under varied climates indeed give rise to wines of great diversity, allowing for delightful gastronomic pairings.
So, abandon your preconceived notions and set out to discover the fabulous red wines of the Southwest! And if you wish to explore the region's white wines, feel free to read our other article Discovering the White Wines of the Southwest!
Finally, if you need advice,
