Where are the Value Wines?
SOUTH WEST FRANCE
The wine region of South West France is quite large in size, covering territory from the east of Bordeaux to Languedoc (outlined in blue) and south of Bordeaux (outlined in green) to the Pyrenees and the border to Spain.
Many smaller appellations are held within this larger territory, some of which are better known (Bergerac) and many are absolutely unknown in our market (Irouléguy??). We can add that many of the grapes grown in South West France are also local, indigenous varietals that you many have never heard of. Fun! And lots of wine for the money.
Let's go exploring:
Vignerons de Jurançon 2023 Yura Sec • Jurançon, France • Reg $23.99 | Mixed Case $19.19
Local Jurançon (foothills of the Pyrenees light green on the map) featuring a blend of local grapes: Gros Manseng 60% & Petit Manseng 40%. Chamomile, floral with some earthy notes (clay, sun-warmed soil), white peach (big-time), green apple. Palate adds in limestone & citrus. Medium-bodied. Long, soft, pleasant, acidity on the finish. We love this wine! Decanter 97pts.
Photo credit for estate harvest: Pierre Carton Photographe
Domaine de Pajot 2024 Gasgogne Blanc • Gascogne, France • Reg $15.99 | Mixed Case $12.79
Côtes de Gascogne is roughly the southwest quadrant of South West France, most famous for its brandy, Armagnac, but over the last 50 years, wine production has overtaken brandy. Wine production = 80% fruity, easy-drinking whites and 20% reds, known for their earthy depth. These everyday wines have healthy export markets primarily in England and Europe.
Traditional blend: Sauvignon 40%, Colombard 40%, Ugni-Blanc 10%, Gros-Manseng 10%. Certified organic since 2001. Light, fresh, floral nose. A little summer breeze. Flavors = lime, touch of grapefruit (at the beginning), apples, pears, citrus. Great, pleasant, refreshing acidity. Wonderful spring sipper!
Mission La Caminade 2020 Cahors • South West France • Reg $19.99 | Mixed Case $15.99
Cahors is a region along the Lot River (pink at the top of the map) known for a Malbec-Merlot blend.
85% Malbec & 15% Malbec. Plums, soft spice (nutmeg, hint of lavender), earth on the nose. Lots of yellow, red, dark plums on the palate with red & black cherries, blackberries. Earthy, fresh on the finish. So delightful. Medium-bodied+. Enjoy with a pepper steak with mushroom. You get plenty of wine for you money with this wine!
Domaine des Geais 2020 Côtes du Marmandais • South West France • Reg $18.99 | Mixed Case $15.19
Marmandais is an appellation that borders Bordeaux to the southeast (pink on the map). This wine features the local grape Arbouriou which grows in clay & limestone hillsides and is then aged for a month in an amphora (pictured above with owner/winemaker Pascal Boissonneau), an ancient clay vessel used in winemaking and being revived today for the production of natural wines as it encouraged minimal intervention.
Local blend = Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Syrah 24%, Arbouriou 15%, Merlot 5%. Certified organic & biodynamic. Color is dark, especially for 13% alcohol. Nose is herbal, earthy with intense dark fruit. Fuller-bodied. Blue- and blackberries on the palate. Fresh acidity. Finish is dry as a bone! (If you're curious what that means? This is your wine!) A European jewel — made for dinner: lamb, beef, aged cheeses.
Stay tuned… Next up is Puglia, Italy!