Côtes de Gascogne French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
IGP Côtes de Gascogne is a protected geographical indication in southwest France, best known for crisp, aromatic, great-value white wines from Colombard and Ugni Blanc.
More info about Côtes de Gascogne
Geographic position
Southwestern France, mainly in the Gers department and parts of the Landes and Lot-et-Garonne, in the heart of Gascony, the land of Armagnac, between Toulouse and the Atlantic.
Origin & history
For centuries the local grapes were distilled into Armagnac brandy. When brandy sales fell in the 1970s and 80s, pioneering growers such as the Grassa family began making fresh dry whites from the same vineyards. The Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne was recognised in 1982 and became an IGP in 2009.
Wines & grape varieties
Mostly white, from Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc; also reds and rosés from Tannat, Merlot and Cabernet. Expect grapefruit, passion fruit, green apple and a lively finish; sweeter styles use late-harvest Manseng.
Climate & soil
Mild oceanic climate. Sandy "sables fauves", clay-limestone "terreforts" and boulbènes silt soils.
Wine region: Sud-Ouest
Grape varieties: Colombard, Gros Manseng, Merlot, Petit-Manseng, Sauvignon Blanc, Tannat, Ugni Blanc