South-West | 2023 vintage
Weather conditions
The South-West experienced one of its most difficult recent growing seasons. A humid spring was followed by a severe hailstorm on 20 June, an August heatwave above 40°C and strong Autan winds. Water stress, mildew and extreme heat reduced production, with average yields down around 21% compared with 2018 to 2022. Madiran was particularly affected, while some vineyards in Fronton and Cahors lost around half of their crop.
Conditions varied widely by location and grape variety. Higher-altitude vineyards in Irouléguy benefited from fog and cloud cover and generally maintained normal yields. In Côtes du Marmandais, whites resisted the weather better than reds. Gaillac showed contrasting results: Mauzac was affected by humidity and heat, while Fer Servadou performed well. The same hardy variety helped Marcillac record above-average yields.
Harvest
Harvest volumes were reduced across much of the region, with significant losses in Madiran, Fronton, and Cahors.
Profile of the wine
Despite the reduced volume, the best South-West wines are attractive, aromatic and balanced. Whites retain freshness and tension, while reds offer crisp fruit and silky tannins. Well-exposed sites produced harmonious cuvées that express the character of their appellation.
