🇫🇷FRANCE–South-West

SOUTH-WEST FRANCE IS–  AOC.- 29      IGT.- 15     @Bordeaux

  • BLANC= Arrufiac(Indigenous), Bacco, Balzac, Baroque, Camarelet(Indigenous), Chardonnay, Colombard, Coutia, Folignan, Folle Blanche, Gros Manseng, Jurancon Blanc, Lauzet(Indigenous), Len de l’El(Indigenous), Loin de L’Oeil, Luminan, Mauzac, Meslier St. Francis, Montils, Ondenc, Petit Courbu, Petit Manseng, Plainte di Grece, Raffiat de Moncade(Indigenous), Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Verdanel(Indigenous), Vidal
  • ROUGE= Abouriou, Cot/ Auxerrois AKA=Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Duras(Indigenous), Fer Servadou AKA=Braucol/ Pinenc, Jurancon, Manseng Noir, Merlot, Negrette, Odola, Prunelard(Indigenous) AKA=Prunelart, Tannat, Terras 20

GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West, LATITUDE: 44.4° ‘N’

  • BORDERS-Spain(South-West)
  • Area South-East of Bordeaux, North of Pyrenees and Inland of Languedoc Roussillon.
  • DEPARTMENTS-Tarn, Pyrenees Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrenees
  • Sub-Zones-  Aveyron, Garonne, Gascogne, Lot, Pyrenees, Tarn, Toulousain
    • AOC’s– Armagnac AOC., Armagnac Tenereze AOC., Bas Amagnac AOC., Bearn AOC., Bearn Bellocq AOC., Brulhois AOC., Buzet AOC. Cahors AOC., Cognac AOC., Cognac Bons Bois AOC., Cognac Bois Ordinaires AOC., Cognac Borderies AOC., Cognac Fins Bois AOC., Coteaux du Quercy AOC., Cotes de St. Mont AOC., Floc de Gascogne AOC.,  Fronton AOC., Gaillac AOC., Gaillac Cotes AOC., Gaillac Mousseux AOC., Grand Champagne, Haut Armagnac AOC., Irouleguy AOC., Jurancon AOC., Madiran AOC., Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC., Petite Champagne AOC., Pineau des Charentes AOC., Saint Sardo AOC., Tursan AOC.
      • IGP.’s– Agenais IGP., Ariege IGP., Aveyron IGP., Charentais IGP., Comte Tolosan IGP., Coteaux de Glanes IGP., Cote de Gascogne IGP., Cotes du Lot IGP.,  Cotes du Tarn IGP., Gers IGP.,  Landes IGP., Lavilledieu IGP., Thezac-Perricard IGP.
  • GEOGRAPHIC DISCLAIMER~
    • “Bordeaux Which is a Region of South-West France Has Its Own Dedicated Chapter.”
    • **Refer to “FRANCE/ Bordeaux” For Detailed Information On Bordeaux.
    • Bergerac is Which is a Region of South-West, But For Proximity and Organizational Purposes I Have Placed Its Information In South-East Bordeaux.”
    • **Refer to “FRANCE/ Bergerac” For Detailed Information On Bergerac.

TOPOGRAPHY– FEATURES- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Pyrenees Mountains, +Alt. 

    • On~Dordogne/ Garonne/ Tarn~River~Atlantic~Ocean~(Headwaters: Pyrenees Mountains (500km.)
    • Topographically Bordered  by Atlantic Ocean, Pyrenees Mountains and the Massif Central Mountain.
  • TOPOGRAPHIC EVENTS-  ~Aquitaine Basin~
    • Predominantly Flat Area Occupying South-West France, Delineated by the Atlantic Ocean(West), Pyrenees Mountains(South) and Massif Central(East).

VITICULTURE– 

  • CHALLENGES– 

SOILS– “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Limestone, Sandstone, Clay, Iron Rich

    • Calcium Carbonate From the Cretaceous Period. (70- 130 Million Years Ago.)

CLIMATE– “Maritime” With “Mediterranean” Influences

  • +WINDS~ ~D’Autun~ High Moistures, High-Speed Wind.  Origins…of South-West France.

HISTORY–

  • South-West France Has a Longer Wine History Than Bordeaux. The Warm Continental Climate of the Area Produced More Full Body Wines and Where More Coveted Than the Thin Wines Being Produced In the Maritime Climate of Bordeaux.
  • 500- 1200’s- @Europe– During the Middle Ages South-West France Was Ruled by England.  The Region Was Called Gascony.

CULTURE– 

  • Importance of Rivers- With the Rivers of Dordogne, Gironde, and Tarn, South-West France Has a Complexed Hydrographical Network of Rivers That Were Instrumental In Expansive Wine Trade Over the Past 1,500 Years. Ending In the City of Bordeaux the Wine Exports to the Rest of the World Possible.
  • GASTRONOMY… Geese, Duck
    • CHEESE… Bleu des Causses(Cow/ Blue)

**Refer to “FRANCE/ Home” For Detailed Information On France as a Country.

Northern South-West France

COGNAC     @Cognac

  • BLANC= Ugni Blanc AKA=Saint-Emilion 55%, Colombard, Folle Blanche…Others…
    • Baco, Balzac, Coutia, Folignan, Jurancon Blanc, Luminan, Montils, Meslier AKA=Blanche Ramee, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Vidal
  • ROUGE= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(North),  LATITUDE: 45.7° ‘N’, “Multi-Appellation”
    • North of Bordeaux(90km.)
    • CITIES-Angouleme, Cognac, Jarnac, Saintes
    • DEPARTMENTS-Charente-Maritime(Coast), Charente(Interior)
      • Parts of Deau-Sevres/ Dordogne
    • DISTRICTS-Bois Ordinaires, Bons Bois, Borderies, Fine Bois, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat, Rolling/ Hilly”, On~Charente~River~
    • *Generally– 6 Crus or “Growth Areas” Are Distinct by Soils or Micro-Climates.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Limestone, Sandstone, Clay
    • Calcium Carbonate From the Cretaceous Period.(70- 130 Million Years Ago)
    • Coniacian-Era,  Santonian-Era,  Campanian-Era
  • CLIMATE- “Atlantic” With “Continental” Influences
    • *Summers– Warm   |   *Winters– Cold, Wet
    • Moisture In the Maritime Climate Provides Moisture That Aids In the Long Aging Process.
  • HISTORY-
    • 200 @South-West– Roman Emperor Probus Extended Vine Cultivation to the Region.
    • 1500’s @South-West– Huge Salt Trade, Exported to English, Dutch, Scandinavians.
    • 1500’s @Cognac– After Decline of Salt Trade Cognac Became Know For Distilling.
    • 1549 @Cognac– Earliest Documented Distilling, Cognac as a Word Began in 1617.
    • 1850 @South-West– Brandy Houses Started to Export In Bottles and Gaining More Publicity.
    • 1878 @South-West– Phylloxera Reaches Cognac, Only Lowland Vineyards On Clay Survived.
    • 1908 @Cognac– The Boundaries of Cognac Region Legally Delimited.
  • CULTURE-
    • Historically Referred to as Saintonge After the Gallic Tribe of Santones Which Occupied Western France, North of Bordeaux.
    • How and Why Did the Cognac Region Switch From Producing Wine to Distilling Brandy?
      • 1) The Low Alcohol Wines That Were Produced In the Area Deteriorated to such a Degree on its Sea Voyage That the Traders From other Countries Decide to Distill it After Landing.  So the French Decided to Install Dutch Stills and Started to Distill the Wine Before the Sea Journey.
      • 2) Over Protective Vineyards Resulted In Thin, Very Light Wine, With Greater Demand Abroad For Brandy Compared to the Higher Taxed Wine, Distillation Developed.
    • ~Etymology~ Brandy Comes From Dutch Word “Brandewijn” Meaning Burnt Wine.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Brureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac~
      • Mission~ To Develop and Promote Cognac, Representing the Best Interests of /All Cognac Professionals Including Growers, Merchants and Members of Other Activities Related to the Cognac Trade.
    • GOING THERE~ ~Cognac Museum~,  ~St. Leger Romanesque Church~,
      • ~Gallo-Roman Amphitheater and Roman Baths~,  ~St. Peters’s Cathedral~
  • VITICULTURE- 79,000 ha. Planted
  • VINICULTURE- Fermented Must Distilled Twice In Copper Alambic Pot Still.
    • Fermented 10-20 Days (No Inoculation, or Added Sugar or Sulphur), Resulting Wine a Weak Unappealing Wine  7%- 9% ABV. Which is Ideal For Distillation.
    • *Cognac Contains 486 Volatile Substances.
    • Still Wine Goes Through Malolactic Fermentation.
    • Cognac Must Be Produced From at Least 90% Colombard, Folle Blanche & Ugni Blanc.
    • Fine Champagne- Produced Exclusively From Grapes Grown In Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne.
    • Cru- (Ugni Blanc +90%, Folle Blanche, Colombard)
    • By Regulation Three Additional Materials May Be Added to Cognac.
      • Boise(Oak Shaving), Carmel(Added to Adjust the Color), Sugar Syrup
    • Super “High End” Cognac
      • Louis XIII by Remy Martin
      • L’Essence de Courvoisier by Courvoisier
      • Paradis Imperial by Hennessy

“Times Distilled, Unique Aging and Evaporation Process and is What Make Cognac & Armagnac Different.”

  • DISTILLATION– Process of Separating Alcohol From Other Volatile Components.
    • Producers Must Use the Long-Eastablished Method of Double-Distillation With a Alambic Pot Still Called a “Charentais” Cooper Still.
    • Traditionally a Wood-Fired Boiler(Now Natural Gas) In a Stone Frame Held About 53-79 Gallons.
    • White Grapes That Are Used In Production of Cognac Are High In Acid, High Yield, Producing Wine That Are Thin, Dry, Acidic, and Below Average In Terms of White Wine Standards But the Outcome of Distilling and Aging These Wine Are Excellent and Adds to the Structure Quality of the Final Cognac.
    • Distillation is Started as Soon as Fermentation is Complete,(Unfiltered Wine Often Still On Lees.) and Distillation Must Be Completed by March 31 the Year After Harvest.
    • It Takes 9 Liters of Wine to Distill One Liter of Cognac.
    • Resulting EAU-De-VIS is Colorless and 70% ABV.
    • AU-De-VIE– Term For Spirit, Literally “Water of Life”, Colorless Fruit Brandy.
    • **Refer to “WINE STYLES/ Distillation” For Additional Information.
    • Three Groups of Distllaters…
      • Co-Operatives
      • Bouilliurs de Profession(Distill For Farmers and Merchants)
      • Bouilleurs de Cru(Individual Vineyard Farmers Who Also Distills His Own Crops., Some of Which is Either Sold to Cognac Houses  or Sold Under Their Own Name.)
  • MATURATION
    • The Long Aging Process Given to Cognac is Special and Unique to Other Spirts.  This Maturation Allows the Initial Harsh Tones to Subside and Lends Itself to a Mellow Quality to Develop Through Slow Oxidation In the Cast.
    • Often Called Cellars, But the Buildings Cognac Age In Are More Like Warehouses and Are Located Above Ground.  Most of These Warehouses Are Near the Charente River and Are Damp.
    • The Oak Used For Cognac Barrel is Sourced From Troncais Forest or Limousin Forest and Are of the Species Quercus Robur and Querus Petaca.
      • The Best of These Oak Trees a Generally 80-100 Years Old.
      • The Oak is Split and Not Sawed
    • +AGED/ +2 Years In Barels But Some For 4 Years In Oak Barrel.
    • As Cognac Interacts With Oak Barrels, Alcohol and Water Evaporates at a Rate of 3% a Year, Until Cognac Eventually Become the Desired ABV.
    • Barrel Must Be at Least 92.5 Gallons But Larger Cast Are Used For Blending.
    • Tiercons- Thin-Walled 1100- 150 Year Old French Old Cast Originally Designed For Maritime Transport and No Longer Being Produced.
    • When Barrel Aging is Finished Cognac is Transferred to Large Glass Bonbonnes For Future Storage Until Blending.
    • Boise- Infusion of Oak Resin/ Shavings Placed In Cognac to Enhance Woody Character.
    • Early Landed- Young Cognac Shipped In Bulk.(Usually of Single Vinetage), Which Natures In a Bonded Warehouse.
    • Paradis- Storage Points For Oldest Cognac Reserves.
    • Rancio- Characteristic Nose and Taste of Fully Mature Cognac.(Mellow Quality Found After 20-25 Years In Cast)
      • Flavors– Mushroom, Walnut, Autumn
  • BLENDING COGNAC
    • Each Cognac House Has a Master Taster/ Maitre de Chai Who’s Responsible For Blending the Spirit So That Cognac Produces is True to Its House Blend Style and Quality.
      • Cognac is Non-Vinetage, and the Master Blender Must Command Different District, Years, and Barrels Into a Finished Product.
    • Faibles– Blend of Cognac and Distilled Water, Used to Reduce Alcoholic Strength(Usually Around +Abv. 15%-18% )
  • STYLES OF COGNAC
    • VS. (Very Superior) +Aged– +2 Years In Barrel
    • VSOP. (Very Special Old Pale) +Aged– +5 Years In Barrel
    • XO. (Extra Old) +Aged– +6 Years In Barrel/ +10 Years After 2018
      • Producers– Delamain Pale & Dry Centenaire XO, Frapin Chateau de Fontpinot XO, Hennessy XO, Hine Antique XO, Jean Fillioux Grande Reserve XO.
    • COGNAC RARE-
    • HORS D’AGE- (Beyond Age/ High Quality Product) +Aged– +10 Years In Barrel
      • Mid-Tawny
    • GRANDE FINE EXTRA–
    • NAPOLEON/  NAPOLEAN FINE CHAMPAGNE- +Aged– +15 yr.- 25 yr.
    • TRES VIELLE-
    • VIEUX-
    • VIEILLE RESERVE-
  • COGNAC WINE EVALUATION
    • Sight: Very Light/ Mid-Straw/ Gold/ Deep-Amber/ Mid-Tawny/ Tawny
      • Is Color From Age or Achieved by Additon of Carmel
    • Aroma: SPICE: Cinnimon, Wood/ Vanilla, NUTS: Almonds, Hazel, Walnuts
      • FLORAL: Violet,  OTHER: Fennel, Honey
      • Hold Glass a Slight Distance From Nose
      • Warm Glass With Hands to Find Preferred Temperature
    • Palate: FRUIT: Apricots, Coconut, Figs, Peaches, Pineapple, Prunes, Raisiny
      • OTHER: Soda
      • Take Small Sips(Allow Prolonged Enjoyment Without Over Consumption
    •  Structure: Smooth/ Harsh/ Fiery
      • TEXTURE– Syrupy
    • Glassware- SERVING… Serve In Glasson and Let Breath For 5 Minutes
      • Thin-Rimmed Crystal Glass, Not Too Deep or Overly Narrow.  Glass Should Narrow slightly Towards the /top to Trap The Aromas and Direct Them Towards the Nose.
      • Glass Should Fit Comfortably In Ones Hands. The Bulb of Cognac Glasses Are Meant to Be Touched or Cupped In Ones Palm and Warmed By the Hand in Order to Slowly Release the Aromas.
      • FOOD PAIRING… Dulce de Leche   |   CHEESE PAIRING…
    • Cognac vs. Armagnac– +BODY, More Rustic, +Fragrant
      • Dominated by Big Companies, Bigger Production
    • Cognac-Based Drink- Grand Marnier, Domaine Canton, Pineau Charentes
    • Cocktails Made From Cognac
      • Cognac With Water or Soda Water
      • Horse Neck– Cognac With Ginger Ale, Twist of Lemon Peel, Dash of Bitter.
      • Cognac Sour– Cognac Mixed With Fresh Lemon Juice and Sugar Syrup.
      • Side Car– Cognac, Cointreau, Lemon Jucie, Twist of Lemon Peel

“All Cognac is Brandy But Not all Brandy is Cognac.”

**Cognac Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase These Maps at Delongwine.com

GRAND CHAMPAGNE AOC.     @Cognac

  • BLANC= Colombard, Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc   |    ROUGE= ?
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West, In Cognac(Central-Interior)
    • PARISHES-(27)- Bonneuil, Bouteville, Cognac, Jamac
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Charente~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Shallow Clay-Limestone, Over Friable Limestone
    • Cretaceous Campanian-Era Chalk
  • VITICULTURE- 14,766 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- A.E. Dupuy, A. Hardy, Bellevigne(20ha.), Camus(20ha./ Extra Elegance), Croizet, De Luze, Delamain, Duboigalant(20ha.), Fillioux(23ha.), Frapin(De Fontpinot(240ha.), Goursat-Gourry de Chadeville, Guerbe(41ha.), Hennessy, Hine(80ha.), Jean Luc Ferrand(26ha.), Martell, Menard, Menuet, Painturaud, Paul Giraud, Pierre Ferrand, Planat, Prunier, Ragnaud, Remy Martin, Salignac, Unicoop
  • CULTURE-
    • Louis XIII– Legendary Cognac Produced by Remy Martin.  Name is a Tribute to King Louis 13th. of France. (Reigning Monarch When Remy Martin FamilySettled in Cognac Region) King Louis Was First to Recognize Cognac as a Category.
      • Final Blend is Produced From 1,200 Individual Eaux-de-Vie From the Grand Champagne Vineyards Ranging From 40 Years to 100 Years of Age.
      • As Marketing Remy Martins Started Sell Their Cognac as 100% Grande Champagne Cognac In Ornate Decanter. Decanter is a Reproduction of a Metal Flask From the Battle of Jarnac(1569).  The Replica is Hand Made by Brystal Manufactures: Baccarat, Cristallerie de Sevres or Saint-Louis.
    • PIONEERS~ ~Paul-Emile Remy~ Inherited the Business and Began Selling Cognacs Under His Family Name. He Later Broke Tradition and Began Bottling His Cognacs Rather Than Selling Them by the Barrel.
  • SUB-ZONES Of ARMAGNAC
  • PETITE CHAMPAGNE AOC.     @Archiac
    • BLANC= Colombard, Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc   |     ROUGE= ?
    • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West, In Cognac(Central-Interior)
      • CITIES-Archiac, Barbezieus, Chateauneuf-Sur-Charente, Jonzac, PARISHES-(60)-
      • Forms Semicircle Around Southern Grand Champagne.
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Cretaceous Santonian-Era Chalk
    • VITICULTURE- 16,171 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Bertrand et Fils(69ha.), Dominique Chainier et Fils, Courvoisier, A. E. Dor, Gabriel et Andreu, Lheraud, Montifaud(49ha.), Paulet, Royer
  • COGNAC BORDERIES AOC.      @Burie
    • BLANC= Chardonnay, Colombard, Folle Blanche, Sauvignon Blanc, Ugni Blanc
    • ROUGE= Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
    • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West, In Cognac(Central-Interior)
      • North-West of Cognac-City(5km.), PARISHES-(6)-
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Charente~River~
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Clay, Lint Stones From Break-Down of Limestone
      • Jurassic-Era Groies(Chalk and Clay)
    • VITICULTURE- 4,300 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Deau(104 ha.)
  • COGNAC BONS BOIS AOC.      @
    • BLANC= Colombard, Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc    |    ROUGE= ?
    • GEOGRAPHY- France, South-West France, In Cognac
      • CITIES-Cozes, Saujon, Talmont, Tonnay-Boutonne
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Boutonne/ Seudre~River~
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Clay
    • VITICULTURE- 1,171 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Jean Doussoux, Jean Grosperrin, Lheraud, Plassons Rastignac
  • COGNAC BOIS ORDINAIRES AOC.     @Rochefort
    • BLANC= Colombard, Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc   |   ROUGE= ?
    • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West, In Cognac
      • CITIES– Marennes, Rochefort, La Rochelle, Royan
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”
    • VITICULTURE- 1,001 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers-
  • COGNAC FINS BOIS AOC.     @Angouleme, Saintes
    • BLANC= Colombard, Folle Blanche, Montils, Ugni Blanc
    • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West, In Cognac(Interior), “Non-Contiguous(2)”
      • Encircles the 3 Districts of Grande Champagne, Petit Champagne & Borderies.
      • CITIES-Aigre, Angouleme, Blanca, Challignac, Matha, Saintes, St. jean d’Angle, St. Savinien
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Charente~River~
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
      • Kimmeridgian/ Portlandian Formation(Mixture of Red Clay, Limestone, Chalk)
    • VITICULTURE- 34,300 ha. Planted, 40% of Cognac Production
      • Estate/ Producers- Balluet, Chateau de Beaulon(63ha.), Bonnin(40ha.), Fougerat, Leopold Gourmel(32ha.), Leyrat(52ha.), Maurin, Andre Petit, Renault Bisquit, Tiefen
  • OTHERS
    • Other- Estate/ Producers-(Not Found In Cognac Sub-Zone)– A.E. Audry, Braastad, Bache-Gabrielsen, Chabasse, Delamain, Dompierre, Exshaw, Gaston de Lagrange, Fontaine La Pouyada, Gautier, Godet Freres,  Maxime Trijol, Moine, Moyet, Otard, Vallein-Tercinier

PINEAU Des CHARENTES AOC.      @Charente

  • BLANC= Colombard, Folle Blanche, Merlot Blanc, Semillon, Ugni Blanc
  • ROUGE= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Jurancon, Meslier
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West, In Cognac AOC.
  • VITICULTURE- ? ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Bache Gabrielsen, Beaulon, Bonnin, Deau, Dominique Chainier et Fils, Jean Luc Ferrand, Moine, Pierre Ferrand, Reviseur, Tessendier’s
  • VINICULTURE-  Vin de Liquerur-(Fortified Before Fermentation With Eau-de-Vie.), +ABV.- +16%- 22%
    • EAU-De-VIE– Must Be Distilled From Cognac Grapes From Charente and Charente-Maritime Departments.
    • Charentes Producers Must Also Be Cognac Distillers.
      • Eau-de-Vie Must Be Aged 1 Year Prior to Blending and Have +ABV. of 60%.
    • +BLENDED/ Juice and Cognac Eau-de-Vie at 3 to 1 Ratio
    • +AGING-  Blanc– +Aged– +18mo./ +12mo. In Oak
      • Rouge/ Rose- +Aged– +12mo./ +8mo. In Oak
      • Vieux– +Aged– +5 yr. Oak
      • Tres Vieux– +Aged– +10yr. In Oak
  • HISTORY- 400 Year History of Production
    • Legend Has It a Cellar-Worker In 1589 Poured Unfermented Must In to a Presumed Empty Barrel That Had Cognac In it.  Not Wanted it to Go to Waste He Drank it.
  • CULTURE-
    • IN COCKTAILS– Pineau & Tonic, Martinelle

IGP.s of North South-West France

CHARENTAIS IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West, Near Cognac

BORDEAUX AOC.

  • GEOGRAPHIC DISCLAIMER~
  • “Bordeaux Which is a Region of South-West France Has Its Own Dedicated Page.”
    • **Refer to “FRANCE/ Bordeaux” For Detailed Information On Bordeaux.
  • Bergerac is Which is a Region of South-West, But For Proximity and Organizational Purposes I Have Placed Its Information In South-East Bordeaux.”
    • **Refer to “FRANCE/ Bergerac” For Detailed Information On Bergerac.

Eastern South-West France

**South-West Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase These Maps at Delongwine.com

BUZET AOC.     @Buzet Sur-Baise

  • BLANC= Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
  • ROUGE= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
  • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West(East), DEPARTMENTS-Tarn-et-Garonne
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling/ Hilly”, On~Garonne~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Clay, Gravel, Boulbenes(Sand Clay)
  • VITICULTURE- 1,400 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers– Barond’Ardeuil, Marquis Hautevigne, Vignerons de Buzet(Co.-Op.)

BRULHOIS AOC.     @Layrac

  • ROUGE= Abouriou, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot AKA=Malbec, Fer Servadou, Merlot, Tannat
  • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West(East), DEPARTMENT-Tarn-et-Garonne
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling/ Hilly”, On~Garonne~River~Tributary~Gironde Estuary~
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Maritime” Influence
  • VITICULTURE- 130 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers– Boiron, Labastide, Vignerons du Brulhois
  • VINICULTURE- Wine Must Be +70% Cabernet Franc/ Merlot/ Tannat to Be Labeled Brulhois AOC.
  • CULTURE- 2011– AOC. OfficiallyEstablished.
    • ~Etymology~ “Brulhois.”…Meaning… “Wooden Slopes”…Referring to Its Mix of Forest and Land.

SAINT SARDO AOC.     @Saint Sardo

  • BLANC=    ?       |   ROUGE= Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Tannat
  • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West(East), DEPARTMENTS-Tarn-et-Garonne
    • VILLAGES-(23)- North-West of Toulouse-City(25km.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling/ Hilly/ Terraces”, On~Garonne~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Pebbly Limestone
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence
  • VITICULTURE-   ?   ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers– Tucayne

CAHORS AOC.     @Cahors

  • BLANC= Chardonnay
  • ROUGE= Cot AKA=Auxerrois/Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Tannat
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(East), DEPARTMENT-Lot, LATITUDE: 44.4° ‘N’
    • VILLAGES-Cahor, Douelle, Luzech, Pamac, Prayssac, Puy-L’Eveque, Touzac, Vire Sur-Lot
    • Sub-Zones- Hills(Cote), Rocamadour, Coteaux de Glanes…4 Terraces
      • 1st. Terrace- Flood Plain Near the River     |    2nd. Terrace- Sandy
      • 3rd. Terrace- Red Clay                                    |    4th. Terrace- Rocks
    • Lower Lot Valley- (30km.) BETWEEN-Fenel(West) & Cahor(East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Lot)”, SLOPES/ Massif Central, +Alt. 200mt.- 350mt.
    • On~Masse~River~Tributary~Lot~River~Tributary~Garonne~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Clay-Limestone, Chalk, Gravel
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime” With “Mediterranean” Influence/ Convergence
  • VITICULTURE- 4,000 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers– Albatros, Astrolabe, Bovila, La Caminade, Du Cedre, Cenac, De Chambert, Clos de Gamot, Clos Triguedina, Crocus(Paul Hobbs), Fabian Jouves(Nat.Pro.), Famaey, Gaudou, Haut-Monplaisir, Haute-Serre, Lacapelle Cabanac, Lagrezette(3ha.), Lamagdelaine Noir, Jean-Luc Baldes(69ha.), Mas del Perie(Nat.Pro.), Mercues, Meriguet(8ha.), Pelvillain, Rouffiac, Saint-Didier-Parnac, Saint-Sernin, Tarani
    • Vineyards- Pigeonnier
  • VINICULTURE- Marc de GC–  ~Eau de Vie~ From Malbec Pomace
    • Wines Must Be +70% Cot to Be Labeled Cahors AOC.
    • White and Rose Wine Produce In Cahors Labeled Cotes du Lot IGP.
  • CULTURE– 1971- AOC. Officially Established.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Union of Cahor Wine Professionals~
    • WINE HOLIDAYS~ ~International Malbec Day~ (April 17th.)
  • GOING THERE-  ~Villa Cahor Malbec~ Visitor Information, Tasting and Wine Center.
    • GASTRONOMY…
      • CHEESE… ~Roquefort~(Cow/ Blue) From the Commune of Rouergue

COTEAUX Du QUERCY AOC.     @Montpezat-Quercy

  • BLANC=  ?
  • ROUGE= Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot, Gamay, Merlot, Tannat
  • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West(East)
    • DEPARTMENTS-Lot/ Tarn-et-Garonne
    • South-East of Bordeaux-City(150km.), “Non-Contiguous(3)”
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling/ Hilly/ Plateau”
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Maritime” Influence
    • Estate/ Producers– Lafage, Saint Etienne

FRONTON AOC.     @Fronton

  • BLANC=  ?     |    
  • ROUGE= Negrette 80%, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut, Fer Servadou, Gamay, Mauzac, Merille
  • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West(East), DEPARTMENT-Haute-Garonne/ Tarn-et-Garonne
    • North of Toulouse-City(25km.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling/ Hilly”, On~Tarn~River~, +Alt. 100mt.- 200mt.
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence
  • VITICULTURE-  ? ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers– Arbeau, Bellevue, Plaisance, Le Roc, Vinovalie
  • VINICULTURE- Wine Must Be +40 Negrette to Be Labeled Fronton AOC.
  • CULTURE- 
    • Referred to as Cotes du Frontonnais Until 2005.

GAILLAC AOC.     @Gaillac

  • BLANC= Loin de L’Oeil AKA=Lende l’El, Muscadelle, Mauzac, Ondenc, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdanel
  • ROUGE= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Duras, Braucol AKA=Fer Servadou, Prunelard AKA=Prunelart, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West(East), DEPARTMENT-Tarn, @Hw.#A68
    • North-East of Toulouse-City(25km.), “Non-Contiguous(2)”, LATITUDE: 43.9° ‘N’
    • 2 Hours to Mediterranean Sea, 2 Hours to Atlantic Ocean, 2 Hour to Pyrenees.
    • CORDES PLATEAU
      • Geography- Gaillac, North of Gaillac-City(10km.)
      • Soils- Limestone Dominated Plateau
      • Estate/ Producers- Adelaide, Barry, Bourguet, Bouscaillous, Brousse, Cailloutis, Chanade, Clos Rocailleux, Comte de Thun Gardelle, La Camba Torta, Lamothe Mandir de l’Emmeille, Mas d’Aurel, Mantels, La Combelle, Pech del Cel, Peyres Roses, Rotier, Salvy Vignobles de Pech Gouyou
    • TERRASSES De La GAUCHE
      • Geography- Gaillac, South/ East of Gaillac-City(2km.)
      • Estate/ Producers- Ardurels, Bois Moisset, Bonnefil, Calmet, Carcenac, Castel de Brames, Crois des Marchands, Labastdie, Rotier, Sanbatan
    • COTEAUX De L RIVE DROITE
      • Geography- Gaillac, West/ North of Gaillac-City(2km.)
      • Estate/ Producers- Al Couderc, Arlus, Balsamine, Barreau, Borie-Vieille, Bosc Long, Brin, Cahus, Canto Perlic, Cassagnols, Clement Termes, Duffau, Fontaines de Cavalade, Gayssou, Grand Chene, Labarthe, Labastide, Lecusse, Maresque, Mas Pignou, Moulin, Moussens, Philemon, Plageoles, Ratier, Rene Rieux, Salettes, Salmes, Tauzies, Terride, Vayssette, Vigne Lourac,
    • ZONE De CABANES
      • Geography- Gaillac, South of Gaillac-City(10km.)
      • Estate/ Producers- Garibal, Vignes des Garbasses
    • NOYAU De CUNAC
      • Geography- Gaillac, East of Gaillac-City(15km.)
    • OTHERS
      • Geography-(Other Producers Not Found In Demarcated Sub-Zone.)–
      • Estate/ Producers- L’Enclos des Rozes
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”, On~Tarn/ Dadou~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Boulbenes(Gravel), Clay, Limestone, Sand, Silex
    • Graves- Pebbly Soil Mixed With Clay On a Chalky Subsoil
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”With “Maritime” Influence, +WINDS~ ~D’Autan~
  • VITICULTURE– 5,000 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers(Others)– Sarrabelle
  • VINICULTURE– Rouge,  Rose,  Blanc Sec,  Blanc Perle,  Doux,  Vendanges Tardives
    • SPARKLING– Traditional/ Methode Ancestrale
  • HISTORY– 2,000 Years of Wine Culture, Imported to Area by Phoenicians.
  • GAILLAC PREMIERES COTES AOC.     @Gaillac
    • BLANC= Len de L’el, Mauzac, Muscadelle, Onden, Sauvigon Blanc
    • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West, DEPARTMENT-Tarn, In Gaillac AOC.
      • VILLAGES-(11)-Bernac, Broze, Cahuzac-sur-Vere, Castanet, Cestayrols, Fayssac, Gaillac, Labastide-de-Levis, Lisle-Sur-Tarn, Montels, Senouillac
    • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, +Alt. 500mt., On~Tarn~River~
      SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Gravel “Sedimentary”, Limestone Chalk, Clay

      • Estate/ Producers– Labarthe, Très Cantous
  • GAILLAC MOUSSEUX AOC.     @Gaillac
    • BLANC= Mauzac, Len de L’El, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
    • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West, SUB-REGION-Gaillac, DEPARTMENT-Tarn
    • VINICULTURE– SPARKLING…Method/ Traditional
      • Estate/ Producers–
  • PETILLANT GAILLACOISE MOUSSEUX AOC.  
    • BLANC= Mauzac, Len de L’El, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
    • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West, SUB-REGION-Gaillac, DEPARTMENT-Tarn
    • VINICULTURE- SPARKLING…Methode Ancestrale(Petillant Naturel)
      • Estate/ Producers-

Central South-West France

ARMAGNAC AOC.     @Gascony

  • BLANC= Bacco AKA=Bacco 22-A/Baco Blanc, Clairette, Colombard, Folle Blanche , Jurancon Blanc, Mauzac, Meslier St. Francis, Plante de Grece, Ugni Blanc
  • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West(Central), DEPARTMENT-Gascony
    • South of Bordeaux-City(120km.), East of Atlantic Ocean(125km.)
    • DEPARTMENTS-Ger, Les Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, LATITUDE: 43.7° ‘N’
    • Sub-Zones- Bas Armagnac, Haut Armagnac, Tenareze
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling”, On~Adour/ Garonne~Rivers~(Between)
    • SLOPES/ Pyrenees Mountains
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Sand, Clay/ Limestone, Limestone
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”,  +Challanges/ Spring Frost
  • VITICULTURE- 6,000 ha. Planted
    • Negociants- Adex, Auxil, Castarede, Chateau de Mailliac, Cles de Ducs, Darroze, Dartigalongue, Delord, Gelas, Gimet, Janneau, Larresingle, Marquis de Causade, Marquis de Montesquieu, Ryst-Dupeyron, Samalens, Sempe, Trepout, Veuve Goudoulin
  • VINIFICATION- Colorless Brandy Produced In Armagnac, Bottled Young With No Aging In Oak.
    • ARMAGNAC vs. COGNAC-  *Generally–  -Body, Smother, -Fragrant
      • Dominated by Smaller Companies, Smaller Production.
  • HISTORY- 1300’s, Oldest Distilled Spirit In Europe.
  • CULTURE-
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Bureau National Interprofessionel de L’Armagnac~ BNIA.
    • GASTRONOMY… Geese(Foie Gras), Duck(Magret de Canard)
      • CHEESE… 
    • WINE HOLIDAYS~ ~International Armagnac Day~ (December 21th.)
  • SUB-ZONES Of ARMAGNAC
  • BAS ARMAGNAC AOC.    @Nogara
    • BLANC= Bacco, Colombard, Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc    
    • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(Central), In Armagnac AOC.
      • DEPARTMENTS-Ger, Les Landes, SUB-REGION-Bas Armagnac
      • SUB-SUB-REGIONS-Landais, Gersois
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”,  “Sedimentary”, Sand, Limestone
    • VITICULTURE–
      • Estate/ Producers- Baron Gaston Legrand, Baron de Sigognac, Le Beroy(5ha.), Dartigalongue,, De Jean du Haut(30ha.), De Jaurreyl De Jouanda(8.5ha.), Laberdolive, De Lacquy(15ha.), D’Ognoas(25 ha.), A Parot(32ha.), De Ravignan(20ha.), De Saoubis(310ha.), Samelens, Vaghi
  • TENAREZE AOC.     @Condon
    • BLANC= Bacco, Colombard, Ugni Blanc 
    • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(Central), In Armagnac AOC.
      • SUB-REGION-Armagnac Tenareze
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”,  “Sedimentary”, Argilo-Calcaire(Limestone, Clay)
    • VITICULTURE–
      • Estate/ Producers- Bordeneuve-Entras(32ha.), Busca, Les Escasses(12ha.), Havion-Ehny, De La Lapeyrade(5ha.), Louis Marcellin, Pellehaut
  • HAUT ARMAGNAC AOC.     @Auch
    • BLANC= Bacco, Colombard, Folle Blanche, Plainte de Grece, Ugni Blanc
    • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(Central), In Armagnac AOC.
      • SUB-REGION-Haut Armagnac
    • VITICULTURE–
      • Estate/ Producers- D’Arton, De Bile(6ha.), De Neguebouc(8ha)
  • OTHERS
    • Estate/ Producers- Briat, Boingneres, Garreau, Joy, Lacquy, Laubade, Miquer, Maison Darroze, Monbe, Petita, Ognoas

“Times Distilled, Unique Aging and Evaporation Process and is What Make Armagnac & Cognac Different.”

  • ARMAGNAC
    • VINICULTURE- Harvested- Varieties Picked Separetly.
      • Fermented Must, Distilled Once
      • +Aged– +6 Month to 2 Years In New Oak Barrels Sourced From Monlezun Forest In Bas Armagnac.
      • +BLENDED– to Acheive Producer Style
      • +Aged– Transferred Back to Barrel Where Homogenized and or Diluted to Achieve.
      • Desired Alcohol by Volume. (+ABV.- 40%- 45%)
      • **Refer to “WINE STULES/ Distillation” For Additional Information.
    • VS. (Very Superior) +Aged– +3 Years/+2 Years In Barrel
    • VSOP. (Very Special Old Pale) +Aged– +5 Years In Barrel
    • XO. (Extra Old) +Aged– +6 Years In Barrel
    • HORS D’AGE (High Quality Product) +Aged– +10 Years In Barrel
    • ARMAGNAC WINE EVALUATION
      • Sight: Darker
      • Aroma: Earthy
      • Palate: +BODY, Darker
      • Structure: +ABV.- 53%- 60%)
        • FOOD PAIRING…     CHEESE PAIRING…

FLOC De GASCOGNE AOC.     @Gascogne

  • BLANC= Baroque, Colombard, Folle Blanche, Gros Manseng, Mauzac, Petit Manseng, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Ugni Blanc
  • ROSE= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fer Servado, Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, Tannat
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(Central), In Armagnac AOC.
  • VINICULTURE- Vin de Liqueur-(Fortified Before Fermentation With Blend of Unfermented Juice With Armagnac)
    • Unfermented Grape Juice and Brandy Must Be Produced In Same Region.

TURSAN AOC.     @L’Adour

  • BLANC= Baroque, Gros Manseng, Chenin Blanc, Petit Manseng
  • ROUGE= Cabernet Franc, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fer, Raffiat de Moncade
  • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West(Central), DEPARTMENTS-Lande
    • BORDERS-Armagnac AOC.(North-East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling”, On~Adour~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Chalk, Clay, Gravel
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”
  • VITICULTURE-   ?  ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers– Cave des Vignerons Landais, Pentes de Barene

MADIRAN AOC.     @Madiran

  • BLANC= White Wines Produced In Madiran Labels Under Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC.
  • ROUGE= Tannat 40%, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bouchy AKA=Cabernet Franc, Fer Servadou AKA=Pinenc
  • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West(Central), LATITUDE: 43.54° ‘N’
    • DEPARTMENTS-Gascony, Gers, Hautes-Pyrenees, Pyreneese-Atlaniques
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Adour)”, On~Adour~River~
    • SLOPES/ Pyrenees Mountains, +Alt.?,  5 North-South Parallel Ridges
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Limestone, Clay, Galets Rouges
  • VITICULTURE- 1,300  ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers– D’Aydie(49ha.), Alain Brumont, Berthoumieu, Bouscasse(80ha.), Crampilh, Famille Laplace, Gayon, Labranche Laffont(45ha.), Montus(80ha.), Moulie, Peyros(Co.-Op.), Plaimont, Poujo
  • VINICULTURE–
    • Micro-Oxygenation– Process Aiding the Polymerization of Tannins Replicates Benefits of Extended Wood Aging.
    • Wines Produced Not Meeting AOC. Requirements Labeled Cotes de Gascogne IGP.
  • CULTURE- ~International Tannat Day~ (April 14th.)
    • During 1700’s Government of France Accepted Wines From Madiran For Taxes.

COTES De ST. MONT AOC.    @Saint-Mont

  • BLANC= Arrufiac, Gros Manseng, Petit Corbu, Petit Manseng
  • ROUGE= Braucol, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fer Servadou, Tannat
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(Central), DEPARTMENT-Gers
    • BORDERS-Bas Armagnac AOC.(North), Tursan AOC.(West), Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC.(South-West)
    • Sub-Zones– Aignan, Plaisance
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hill/ Valley(Adour)”, On~Adour~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Gravel, Sand
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime” Transitional-Zone “Continental”
  • VITICULTURE- 1,200 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Bascou, Saint-Go, Plaimont(Co.-Op.)
  • VINICULTURE– Wines Produced Not Meeting AOC. Requirements Labeled Cotes de Gascogne IGP.
  • CULTURE- “Monks & Monasteries”  Benedictine Monks From 1025

PACHERENC Du VIC-BILH AOC.     @Madiran

  • BLANC= Arrufiac, Courbu Blanc, Gros Manseng, Petit Corbu, Petit Manseng, Sauvignon Blanc
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(Central)
    • DEPARTMENT-Gascony, VILLAGES-(37)-
    • BORDERS-Cotes de St. Mont AOC.(North)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling”, SLOPES/ Pyrenees Mountains, +Alt.?, On~Adour~River~
  • VITICULTURE- 300 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Bouscasse, Brumont, D’Aydie, Montus, Laffitte-Teston
  • VINICULTURE- Sweet/ Late Harvest (November/ December)
    • Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC. Used For White Wine Produced In Madiran AOC.
    • Pacherenc Sec- AOC. For Dry White Wines Produced In Area.

South-West South-West France

  • AKA= “Basque Country”, 25% of Which Lies In France, the Other 75% In Spain.

BEARN AOC.     @Mourenx

  • BLANC= Raffiat de Moncade, Courbu, Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Sauvignon Blanc
  • ROUGE= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fer, Tannat
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(South-West), @Hw.#D933 & Hw.#E80
    • DEPARTMENT-Pyrenees Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrenees, “Non-Contigouous(3)”
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Pyrénées Mountains, +Alt. ?
    • On~Gavede Pau/ Oloron~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Gravelly-Clay, Sand, Sandstone
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”
  • VITICULTURE- 260 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Caillabere, Cave de Gan, Gan Oh, Lapeyre, Lapuyade
  • CULTURE– GASTRONOMY…  |   CHEESE… Ossau-Iraty(Ewe/ Hard)

BEARN BELLOCQ AOC.      @Salies-de-Bearn

  • BLANC=              |    ROUGE=
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(South-West), @Hw.#D933 & Hw.#E80
    • DEPARTMENT-Pyrenees Atlantiques, In Bearn AOC.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, Gave de Pau(Gravel Hills and Terraces)
    • Estate/ Producers-

JURANCON AOC.     @Jurancon

  • BLANC= Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu, Camaralet, Lauzet, Petite Manseng
  • ROUGE= ?
  • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-South-West(South-West), LATITUDE: 43.28° ‘N’
    • DEPARTMENT-Pyrenees Atlantiques, In Bearn AOC., COMMUNES-(15)-Jurancon
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley”, SLOPES/ Pyrenees Mountains, +Alt. ?
    • On~Ousse~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Alluvial, Clay, Sand, Poudingues
  • VITICULTURE- 1,100 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Carmin Larredya, Cauhape(50ha.), Cave de Gan(Co.Op., 750ha./220 Members), Clos Joliette, Clos Lapeyre, Clos Uroulat, Coustarret, Dagueneau, Lapeyre
  • VINICULTURE- Dry to Sweet,  Vendage Tartive(Late Harvest)
    • Jurancon Sec- AOC. For Dry White Wines Produced In Area.
  • CULTURE- 1936- AOC. Officially Established(Sweet Wine)
    • 1975- AOC. Officially Established(Dry Wine)

IROULEGUY AOC.    @St-Jean-Pied-de-Port

  • BLANC= Xuri Zerratia AKA=Courbu, Izkiriota Ttipia AKA=Petit Manseng Izkiriota AKA=Gros Manseng
  • ROUGE= Bordelesa Beltza AKA=Tannat, Axeria AKA=Cabernet Franc, Axeria Handia AKA=Cabernet Sauvignon
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(South-West), @Hw.#D918 & Hw.#D933
    • DEPARTMENT-Pyrenees Atlantiques, VILLAGES-(15)-
    • BORDERS-Spain, South-East Atlantic Ocean(40km.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, SLOPES/ Pyrenees, +Alt. ?
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Reddish SandstoneMist With Alluvial Deposits Washed Down From the Pyrenees
  • VITICULTURE- 230 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Arretxea, Brana, Ilarria, Mignaberry
  • CULTURE- Basque Country/ Pais Vasco, Basque Language

IGP’s IGP. of South-West France

  • VITICULTURE- Grapes/ Wines Produced In South-West Non-Conforming to a AOP.

LANDES IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(East), DEPARTMENT-Landes
    • COTEAUX De CHALOSSE–
    • SABLES FAUVES–
    • SABLES De L’OCEAN–
    • COTES De L’ADOUR–

AGENAIS IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(Central), DEPARTMENT– Lot-et-Garonne

COTE De GASCOGNE IGP.      @Gascogne

  • BLANC= Colombard, Gros Manseng, Len de L’El, Muscadelle, Petit Manseng, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Ungi Blanc
  • ROUGE= Abouriou, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Duras, Fer Servado, Malbec, Merlot, Negrette, Tannat
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(Central-Interior), DEPARTMENT-Gers, (Parts of)Landes, Lot-et-Garonne
    • CONDOMOIS–    @Condom
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”,  Clay, Sand
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime” With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE-
    • Estate/ Producers- Duffour La Salette, Huat Marin, J.P. Chenet, Laballe, Laguille, De Pellehaut, Pouy, Du Tariquet
  • VINICULTURE- Blanc,  Rose,  Rouge
    • IGP. to Appellations of Armagnac AOC., Madiran AOC., St.-Mont AOC., Allowing Form Less-Rigid Winemaking Requirements.

GERS IGP.     @

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(Central-Interior), DEPARTMENT-Gers
    • Surrounds Cotes de Gascogne, BETWEEN-Aquitaine Basin & Pyrenees

COTES Du LOT IGP.    

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(North-East), DEPARTMENT-Lot

COTEAUX de GLANES IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(North-East), DEPARTMENT-Lot
    • In Cotes du Lot IGP.(North-East)

THEZAC-PERRICARD IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(Central-Interior), DEPARTMENT-Lot-et-Garonne
    • BETWEEN-Agenais IGP. & Cotes du Lot IGP.

LAVILLEDIEU IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(Central-Interior), DEPARTMENT-Tarn-et Garonne

ARIEGE IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(South), DEPARTMENT-Lot-et-Garonne
    • COTEAUX PLANTAUREL–
    • COTEAUX De La LEZE–

COTES DU TARN IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(East-Interior), DEPARTMENT– ?
    • CUNAC–

AVEYRON IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West(East), DEPARTMENT– ?
    • CABANES–
  • TOPOGRAPHY- SLOPES/ Massif Central, On~Aveyron~

COMTE TOLOSAN IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-South-West,
    • DEPARTMENT-Catchment For 12 Departments
  • VITICULTURE-
    • Estate/ Producers- Clamens, Famille Arbeau

**Refer to “BIBLIOGRAPHY/ Sources” For Details On Scholarly Works Referenced.