South West
The South West is France’s fourth largest winegrowing region in terms of production volume. The region is particularly vast, stretching between the Pyrenees and Massif Central mountains and between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, covering 13 départements, 53,000 hectares and 16 PDOs (AOP). The region’s best-known appellations are Cahors, Jurançon and Iroulèguy. There are also 11 PGIs (IGP), the most extensive of which is Côtes de Gascogne. The South West boasts an impressive mosaic of terroirs and is home to a multitude of grape varieties ranging from Malbec and Fer Servadou to Colombard and Len de l’El (or Loin de l’oeil).
With a winegrowing tradition dating back to Gallo-Roman times, the region has undergone a notable revival over the last ten years, driven by the success of a number of talented winegrowers. Estates like Jardins de Babylone (Dagueneau,) Clos Joliette, Lajibe, Camin Larredya, Château Lafitte and Castéra in Jurançon, Château Montus in Madiran, Château du Cèdre in Cahors, Domaine Plageoles in Gaillac, Elian da Ros in the Côtes du Marmandais and Arretxea in the Basque Country are acting as standard-bearers for their appellations and the South West wine region as a whole. The South West abounds with little-known gems and up-and-coming estates, each with their own distinct identity and almost always highly affordable prices. Note that the region is also where Armagnac, one of France’s most prestigious eaux de vie, is produced.
