Sud-Ouest wine region French wine region guide: location, history, appellations, grapes & food
South West France (Sud-Ouest) is a large and diverse wine region of rare grape varieties and distinctive wines, from the "black wine" of Cahors and powerful Madiran to sweet Jurançon and fresh Côtes de Gascogne.
More info about the Sud-Ouest wine region
Geographic position
Southwestern France, between Bordeaux, the Pyrenees and the Massif Central, spread across Bergerac and the Dordogne, the Lot, the Tarn, Gascony and the Basque Country, around Toulouse.
Origin & history
Some of France's oldest vineyards, such as Gaillac, were planted by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, wines from the "High Country" were shipped through the port of Bordeaux, which long restricted them to protect its own. The region is also the birthplace of Armagnac brandy.
Main appellations & varieties
Cahors (Malbec), Madiran (Tannat), Gaillac, Fronton (Négrette), Bergerac and Monbazillac, Jurançon (Petit and Gros Manseng), Irouléguy and IGP Côtes de Gascogne (Colombard, Ugni Blanc). Many local varieties such as Fer Servadou, Mauzac and Len de l'El survive only here.
Food specialties
Foie gras and duck confit, magret, cassoulet, garbure soup, Bayonne ham, Agen prunes, Périgord truffles and walnuts, Rocamadour goat cheese and Armagnac.