Southwest France wine region special
About Southwest France Wines
Compared to more famous regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, wines from Southwest France are less well known.
The wine-producing region of Aquitaine, located in southwestern France, is distinguished as "Southwest France" except for "Bordeaux", which has historically been heavily influenced by the UK. As it is originally part of the same region as Bordeaux, it is not only comparable in geography and climate, but also an attractive wine-producing region with many indigenous varieties remaining.
Wines from Southwest France have often been overshadowed by the famous nearby wine region of Bordeaux, but in recent years they have begun to attract attention thanks to the unique variety of wines they produce, including sparkling, rosé, sweet and dark wines.
Southwest French wine highlights
Southwest France 1. Climate of Southwest France The southwest of France is dominated by a warm marine climate.
2. Gascony, a producer of high-quality brandy In the southwest of France is Gascony, which is also the producer of the high-quality brandy Armagnac.
3. Southwestern wines with distinctive personalities In the southwest, you can find wines with distinctive personalities, such as Cahors black wine and Jurançon, a sweet wine produced in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
1. Climate of Southwest France
The picturesque "French Garden"
The southwest region has a warm marine climate and receives relatively high amounts of rain.
The temperature never gets too high in summer, which makes it less suitable for growing wine grapes, which prefer sun and dryness. This led to the development of technology for distilling wine to make brandy. This led to the creation of the high-quality brandy Armagnac. Today, with improved temperature control technology, more and more producers are making dry white wines with a refreshing taste.
2. A producer of high-quality brandy
Armagnac is a distilled spirit made in Armagnac, located in the central region of Gascony in southwestern France. It is a famous luxury brandy along with Cognac.
The region is divided into three main producing areas based on the geology of the soil: "Bas Armagnac" in the west, which has highly acidic clay-sandy soil; "Armagnac-Ténarèze" in the central area, which has clay-limestone soil; and "Haut Armagnac" in the east and south, which has limestone soil.
3. Southwest wines with distinctive personalities
Four Regions in Southwest France In addition to the high-quality brandy Armagnac from Gascony, a variety of wines are produced in southwest France.
Cahors produces a type of red wine known as "black wine." As the name suggests, it is so rich in polyphenols that you cannot see through the glass, and is characterized by its deep color and satisfying flavor.
In the rolling hills at the foot of the Pyrenees, a sweet wine called "Jurançon" is produced. By using grapes that are harvested late (vendange tardive) to remove moisture and increase sugar content, a sweet to very sweet wine is produced.
Other famous wines include Madiran red wine and Monbazillac noble rot wine.
Mavie, Southwest France producer
Barrow family/Southwest France, France
Gascony is the birthplace of D'Artagnan, the protagonist of "The Three Musketeers." The Barrault family, located near the town of Auze, famous as the "capital of Armagnac," produces not only wine but also Armagnac.
Gascony has a relatively humid maritime climate compared to other grape-growing regions, making it difficult to control grape diseases caused by humidity. Even in this harsh environment where there are almost no organic farmers, Mr. Barraud and his team are proud to take on the challenge of making organic wine.
Be sure to try the Gascon Quatre Cepages, a white wine made from four different types of grapes for a clean, dry finish, or the Armagnac that was started by the previous owner, Damien.
Enjoy Southwest French wines and gourmet food
Southwest France is known as a region with great food.
The Périgord region is famous for producing foie gras and truffles. The southwest region is also home to many other famous ingredients, including Roquefort, which is famous in Japan as one of the world's three great blue cheeses.
There is also a wide variety of desserts. The Pyrenees are famous for their cone-shaped baked confectionery called Gâteau à la Broche, which is a unique cake that is indispensable at weddings. There is also Pastis Gascon, which is a type of apple pie made of apples wrapped in a thin crust.
Recommended Southwest French Wines
If you want a refreshing dry white
・Product number: 60001
・Producer: Barrault family (Southwest France, France)
As the name "Quatre Cépages (Four Varieties)" suggests, this wine is a blend of four types of grapes: Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Gros Manseng, and Sauvignon, resulting in a taste that allows you to enjoy the aroma of fruit and herbs as well as a fresh acidity. This organic wine is best enjoyed chilled.
Food pairings: Vegetable appetizers (marinated dishes, salads, etc.), tofu appetizers, etc.
Regular price: 2,640 yen (tax included)
Member price: 2,428 yen (tax included)
You must be logged in to purchase at the member price
A modern, dry Armagnac
・Product number: 60004
・Producer: Barrault family (Southwest France, France)
This organic Armagnac has a gentle and refreshing floral scent. It has a dry and simple taste, so it can be enjoyed straight as an after-dinner drink, or mixed with soda and garnished with lemon for a French highball.
Food Pairing: Perfect as an after-dinner drink on its own or in cocktails such as the French Highball.
Regular price: 9,460 yen (tax included)
Member price: 8,703 yen (tax included)
You must be logged in to purchase at the member price
Product List: Southwest France Wine Regions Special
Gascogne Quatre Cepages White Regular Price
2,640
Member price including tax
2,428
A refreshing aroma of pear, white peach, herbs and minerals. A light and refreshing white wine that is best enjoyed chilled.
Noisette White Regular Price
3,025
Member price including tax
2,783
Aromas of grapefruit, muscat, herbs and yellow flowers. Vibrant fruitiness with a hint of sweetness.
Armagnac Premier Age 500ml
Regular price
9,460
Member price including tax
8,703
A dry and simple Armagnac with hints of vanilla and an elegant floral aroma.
Gascogne Rose [Screw Cap]
Regular price
2,640
Member price including tax
2,428
Including tax. The scent of cherries, grapefruit, sage and peony flowers. A refreshing rosé with a lovely fruitiness that goes down the glass easily. This is a special edition with a screw cap.
Gascogne Rose [Cork]
Regular price
2,640
Member price including tax
2,428
The aroma of cherries, grapefruit, sage and peony flowers. A refreshing rosé with a lovely fruity flavor that goes down easy.
Gascogne Betulin Red Regular price
2,640
Member price including tax
2,428
A pleasant red wine with a concentrated aroma of black fruits such as black cherries, lively acidity and smooth tannins.
NEW
Gascogne Pinot Noir Red Regular Price
3,025
Member price including tax
2,783
It has an aroma reminiscent of cherry blossoms, with a slight tannin and a sharp acidity, resulting in a supple and fruity finish.
Discontinued Jurançon (sweet) White Regular price
5,137
Member price including tax
5,137
The aroma of apricots, quince, yellow flowers and honey. The balance of concentrated fruit sweetness and acidity is excellent.
out of stock
Discontinued Coteaux du Quercy (black wine) Red Regular price
3,927
Member price including tax
3,927
It has a richer tannin content than you would expect from its deep color, resulting in a concentrated finish.
out of stock
Gascogne Quatre Cepages White 3L (Box Wine)
Regular price
8,140
Member price including tax
7,488
A refreshing aroma of pear, white peach, herbs, and minerals. A light and refreshing white boxed wine that is best enjoyed chilled.
out of stock
Gascogne Rose 3L (Box Wine)
Regular price
8,140
Member price including tax
7,488
The aroma of cherries, grapefruit, sage and peony flowers. A refreshing rosé with a lovely fruity flavor that goes down easy.
out of stock
Recommended Gascogne Rose Pinot Noir Regular Price
2,420
Member price including tax
2,420
A charming rosé with hints of ripe red fruits and flowers. A sophisticated acidity and deep flavor.
out of stock
Gascogne Betulin Red 3L (Box Wine)
Regular price
8,360
Member price including tax
7,691
A pleasant red wine with a concentrated aroma of black fruits such as black cherries, lively acidity and smooth tannins.