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Taste, Discover, and Experience the Wines of Southwest France

Taste, Discover, and Experience the Wines of Southwest France


Taste, Discover, and Experience the Wines of Southwest France

Name your favorite grape, and there’s a good chance it, along with many other popular varieties, can trace its roots back to one place: Southwest France. From Malbec to Cabernet Franc, Southwest France is the birthplace of the world’s most famous grapes. As a region rich with both cultural and viticultural history, it is a wildly diverse place you will want to put on the top of the list for your next vacation.

Taste

Home to 300 varieties, 130 of which are indigenous, Southwest France is the number one French region for grape diversity, and it provides endless exploration into a world of exciting wines.

Many varieties have taken up residence in far-flung corners of the world, such as Malbec in Argentina (known as Côt in its birthplace of Cahors), while others played a part in the genesis of renowned grapes. Cabernet Franc, for example, is a parent to the world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties, as well as Carmenère, Chile’s star grape. Alongside these classic varieties, Tannat, which is fast becoming the key grape of Uruguay, and Petit Manseng, Virginia’s vineyard darling, prove Southwest France is an endless treasure trove of grapes poised for global stardom.

But go even deeper and discover what other native varieties have to offer. The chameleon white grape Mauzac, a well-known grape in the PDO Gaillac, becomes the backbone of dry, sparkling, and sweet wines. The nearly-extinct red grape Prunelard was resurrected by vintners trying to preserve a piece of their history and now creates wines with enticing peppery and ripe fruit qualities.Very recently, Le Tardif, another grape variety that almost disappeared from existence, was able to regain a place in the PDO Saint Mont vineyards. The first planting was carried out in spring 2018.

Because winemakers have a broad selection of varieties and terroir at their disposal, they are able to produce a spectrum of styles. Enjoy bold, concentrated reds made from Tannat from PDO Madiran. In PDO Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh winemakers utilize a natural drying process called passillerage for the creation of elegant sweet wines. These, along with the whites and rosés produced throughout the region, make Southwest France a wine lover’s dream.

Recently, research conducted by the Southwest branch of the French Wine and Vine Institute in collaboration with Wines of Southwest France Council, revealed a bouquet of aromas distinct to the wines of Southwest France. Notes of banana are often detected in the region’s white and rosé wines. Meanwhile, blackcurrant comes through in the Cabernet Franc grown in the Pyrenean foothills, as well as Fer Servadou, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapefruit is a bright aroma in both red and white wines, while sumptuous truffle is often detected in aged sweet and dessert wines.

Discover

The natural borders that define Southwest France are as diverse as the region itself. To the west lies the Atlantic Ocean while high-altitude plateaus of the Massif Central line the east. Dordogne, home to ancient cave paintings and its namesake river, creates the northern border. The Pyrenees mountains to the south complete the picture. Within these boundaries reside 42 named appellations, each with its own distinct terroir and wine styles. The region’s role as an important thoroughfare back in the 12th century makes for an exciting vacation for modern travelers. After Pope Alexander III consecrated Spain’s Santiago de Compostela as a holy village in 1189, an influx of people began making the pilgrimage. Southwest France’s numerous abbeys and monasteries became key hospitality sites and many began producing wine. Through these travelers, grapes also soon spread to other parts of Europe. However, Southwest France still remained rather isolated from the other interconnected trade routes that flourished throughout the continent, meaning these indigenous varieties retained their place in the vineyards and never yielded to other grapes. Today, many of these medieval structures still remain, and coupled with the diversity of wines, Southwest France is an ideal vacation for any wine lover.

Experience

Travel throughout Southwest France and you’ll marvel at the diverse climates — and understand what makes this region so dynamic when it comes to wine. In PDO Cahors, sunny days and a relatively dry climate result in red wines with concentration and complexity. PGI Côtes de Gascogne, which sees an oceanic climate, is best known for white wines. Further east, PDO Fronton enjoys the hot, sunny days of a Mediterranean climate and produces Negrette as a red and rosé wine.

It’s no wonder Southwest France has garnered international acclaim as a wine travel destination. In 2022, it was recognized as a wine route of note by Iter Vitis – Les Chemins de la Vigne, which promotes oenological tourism. The region was also awarded the “Paolo Benvenuti Special Award” by the same organization for its work preserving and promoting its indigenous grapes.

To round out the region’s collection of accolades, Toulouse, the Wine Capital of the Southwest, was named the label “European Wine City” in 2023 by the European Wine Cities Network (RECEVIN). These awards, coupled with the numerous UNESCO sites in the region, puts Southwest France at the top of any wine lover’s travel bucket list.

If you’re ready to dig deeper into Southwest France and its wines, here are 12 bottles selected by Wine Enthusiast editors that showcase the diversity and quality of the wines from Southwest France...

  • Château Haut-Monplaisir 2020

    Pur Plaisir (Cahors)

    Château Haut-Monplaisir 2020

    Pur Plaisir (Cahors)

    This magnificent Malbec is powerful, rich, dense and very stylish. The wood and spice flavors of this still-young wine give an extra depth and concentration to the black fruits and firm structure. Drink the wine from 2026. Organic, Malbec 100%

    Cellar Selection

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    95 Points

    $60

  • Jean-Luc Baldès 2020

    The New Black Wine (Cahors)

    Jean-Luc Baldès 2020

    The New Black Wine (Cahors)

    Cahors reputation for its densely colored and structured wines are recalled in this example, which also shows off texture, full fruit and a fresh streak of acidity. The wine is impressive and has great aging potential. It will be ready from 2026. Malbec 100%

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    94 Points

    $120

  • Château Tour des Gendres 2020

    La Gloire de mon Père (Côtes de Bergerac)

    Château Tour des Gendres 2020

    La Gloire de mon Père (Côtes de Bergerac)

    The De Conti family produced this wine, which is smoky with rich tannins and layers of black fruits. It has impressive texture and ripeness, density and powerful black fruits, and will be ready from 2026. Organic, Cabernet 34%, Merlot 33%, Malbec 33%

    Cellar Selection

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    93 Points

    $30

  • Domaine Berthoumieu 2020

    Aulet (Madiran)

    Domaine Berthoumieu 2020

    Aulet (Madiran)

    This producer in Viella at the center of the Madiran appellation has made a 100% Tannat wine that is characteristically dense and firm with tannins and with a fine juicy black fruit character. The wine’s richness and weight have a fresh edge that mitigate the powerful structure. Drink this wine from 2026. Tannat 100%

    Editor’s Choice

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    93 Points

    $30

  • Château l’Enclos des Roses 2020

    Premières Côtes (Gaillac)

    Château l’Enclos des Roses 2020

    Premières Côtes (Gaillac)

    There is a honeyed touch to this ripe wine. With its baked apple and spice flavors set against crisper acidity and richness, the wine has a spicy character. It is textured and ready to drink. Mauzac 100%

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    91 Points

    $35

  • Couleurs d’Aquitaine 2018

    CANTUS TERRA – GRANDE CUVEE (Bergerac)

    Couleurs d’Aquitaine 2018

    CANTUS TERRA – GRANDE CUVEE (Bergerac)

    Juicy with perfume with the Cabernet Franc in the blend rich, this full-bodied wine shows ripe tannins and a fine development. Structured now and should be ready from 2025. Merlot 75%, Cabernet Franc 25%

    Best Buy

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    91 Points

    $20

  • Vignobles Boissonneau 2020

    Les Geais Abouriou Les Cépages Oubliées (Côtes du Marmandais)

    Vignobles Boissonneau 2020

    Les Geais Abouriou Les Cépages Oubliées (Côtes du Marmandais)

    A rare wine of 100% Abouriou, this reveals the structure and polish of this local, neglected grape. It is firm, full of tannins and with black pepper and black-currant flavors. Save this impressive wine for aging—it’s worth it. Drink from 2026. Organic, Abouriou 100%

    Best Buy

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    91 Points

    $19

  • Domaine de Combet 2021

    Prémices (Bergerac Sec)

    Domaine de Combet 2021

    Prémices (Bergerac Sec)

    This is a fruity, vibrant wine with a spicy acidic edge from wood aging. Along with its balance of freshness and tangy acidity, it has maturity and is ready to drink. Organic; Sauvignon Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon.

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    90 Points

    $25

  • Domaine de Lescure 2020

    A l’avenir (Fronton)

    Domaine de Lescure 2020

    A l’avenir (Fronton)

    The Négrette grape is almost found only in Fronton, a region close to the city of Toulouse. This single-varietal version is spicy with crisp fruit and aromas of violets. It is built to age and will be at its best from 2025. Négrette 100%

    Best Buy

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    90 Points

    $15

  • Plaimont 2022

    Domaine de Cassaigne Grand Vin (Côtes de Gascogne)

    Plaimont 2022

    Domaine de Cassaigne Grand Vin (Côtes de Gascogne)

    A blend that includes the recently revived Manseng Noir has produced a velvet-textured, ripe wine. It has great spiciness and dark tannins. A smoky character and acidity complete this dense wine. Drink from 2026. Merlot, Syrah, Manseng Noir

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    90 Points

    $28

  • Cave du Marmandais 2022

    Terra Vallona (Comté Tolosan)

    Cave du Marmandais 2022

    Terra Vallona (Comté Tolosan)

    A Malbec from the Marmandais region, this wine is generous and juicy with black fruits and then dusty tannins. It is structured and still firm, wanting to be aged a bit before showing its full character. Drink from 2026. Malbec 100%

    Best Buy

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    89 Points

    $8

  • Domaine de Pellehaut 2022

    Harmonie de Gascogne (Côtes de Gascogne)

    Domaine de Pellehaut 2022

    Harmonie de Gascogne (Côtes de Gascogne)

    This is an unusual blend of six grapes, including Chardonnay and both Mansengs. It is harmonious with fresh acidity and citrus flavors, just touched by honey and kiwi. The wine is ready to drink. Ugni Blanc 20%, Colombard 20%, Chardonnay 20% , Sauvignon 20%, Gros & Petit Manseng 20%

    Best Buy

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    89 Points

    $9

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