French South-West, France
The French South-West is a diverse wine region that encompasses several sub-regions, including Toulouse and Cahors. The climate in this area is generally warm and sunny, with cooling influences from the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees Mountains.
One of the most well-known wines from the region is Cahors, which is made from the Malbec grape. These wines are typically full-bodied and tannic, with notes of dark fruit and spice. Another popular wine from the region is Madiran, which is made from the Tannat grape. These wines are known for their bold, robust character and high tannins.
The Cahors region is a secret of the modern French. What used to be a thriving wine region was riddled with epidemics, and it's now a region with young vineyards but an old story. Heavily influenced by the Atlanic Ocean like the Burgundian wines, there are 2 types of soils; the limestone plateau area which produces more tannic and longer-lived wines and the gravelly slopes and terraces which produce more approachable and fruity wines. Expect herb-forward Merlot wines with spiced cherries from these well-balanced powerful wines. Try pairing it with an aged mimolette!
In addition to these red wines, the region also produces white wines, such as Jurançon and Gaillac. Jurançon is made from a blend of grapes and is known for its sweet, floral character, while Gaillac is made from local grape varieties and is known for its crisp, refreshing style.
Overall, the wines of the French South-West are diverse and offer a range of styles to suit different palates. Whether you prefer bold, full-bodied reds or lighter, fruitier whites, this region has something to offer.
