Winemakers & Wine Regions

The more YOU discover the south west, the more you will realise there are so many undiscovered gems. These are wines to discover and truly enjoy. From light, mineral, complex dry whites, a variety of delightful rosés, to the well balanced, fruity yet gutsy reds, to the sensational sweet whites that rival the world's finest.

The vineyards of south western France stretch from the borders of Bourdeaux to Toulouse in the southeast and the Spanish border and Pyranees mountains in the southwest. They cover a wide variety of environments and terrains. There is great variety in the grapes and wines which are some of the most distinctive French wines, often using grape varieties found nowhere else.

Local red grape varieties of note include the Tannat of the Appellation Madiran that produces such heart healthy wines. Also Negrette of Fronton and Melbec of Cahors. Merlot and the Cabernets are also common.
The local white varieties produce some unique, stunning and well respected dry and sweet wines. The Petit Manseng, Gros Mangeng and Petit Courbu of Appellations Jurancon and Pacherenc. Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are also common.

 

The Appellation Madiran is dominated by small individual domains and craftsman winemakers much as in New Zealand.  The secret of their international reputation for quality wines is low yields that are producing concentrated and rich red wines.