This is a region comprising mainly small, well scattered wine regions effectively from just west of Bordeaux down to the Spanish border with the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the vineyards of the Languedoc joining it to the east. The climate can therefore best be described as Atlantic influenced, with the hot Mediterranean climate coming to bear on the more easterly areas. Soils are likewise diverse from the sandy aspects of Madiran to the unique 'terra rossa' soils of the tiny Marcillac appellation.Tradition is very much grounded in the south of the region with indigenous grape varieties to the fore and only minor exceptions made for the big classics, whereas those appellations adjacent to Bordeaux tend to use similar varietals to the 'Bordelaise vignerons' and the style can be quite similar.
Marcillac - South West France
The big names of the region would certainly include Bergerac, Cahors, Madiran, Jurancon and Buzet. There has been a consistent and successful marketing drive to promote the wines of the Southwest, which in many ways can represent excellent value when compared to similar quality in Bordeaux. Traditionally the style of Southwest wines has been big gutsy reds, which needed lots of time to soften and evolve. Many were used as blending wines notably the famous 'black wine' of Cahors which gave colour and body to the paler Bordeaux offerings. Today things are quite different with modern vinification methods providing fresh, fruity wines with both structure and elegance and yet, not short on the rustic charm. The individual appellations of the Southwest are well worth seeking out as examples of some of the emerging areas of France.
Apart from its dry red wines, the Southwest has a good name for dry white wines notably those from Jurancon, Gaillac and Bergerac. The vineyards of Monbazillac are famous for their sweet white wines made from botrytized* grapes, when conditions prevail, and are lighter in style, and cheaper, than Sauternes. The Southwest is also home to the famous 'grape spirit' Armagnac from the Gascony region south of Buzet. Made from the Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard grapes, Armagnac had for many years to struggle with the reputation for being the 'poor man's Cognac'.
Substantial investment in the region, notably by some of the Cognac houses, has provided cash for new stills, new casks and the use of specialist distillers. The brandies are now being matured in cask for longer periods and the future of the region looks bright.
