The vineyards of Gascony form a rich mosaic, distributed throughout the rolling hills and valleys of woodland, pasture and fields. Small-scale producers cultivate highly individual grape varieties and preserve ancient harvesting and winemaking practices, passed on through generations. Gascon wines are not produced for the mass market, they express the richly individualistic qualities of the local vineyards and grape varieties, le vrai goût du terroir.
The wines of Gascony are enjoying a renaissance of interest. The reds of the Madiran vineyards in central Gascony are full of character and will keep for years. The most characteristic grape variety is Tannat, with high tannin levels, it must be aged to be soft enought to drink. No one knows for sure if Tannat is so-named because of the high tannin levels, or if it is simply an ancient local name of whose origins are lost. Whatever the reasons for the name, the red wine made with Tannat grapes is not for the faint-hearted, as they say, it knows how to wear a beret! Blended with Cabernet-Franc, Cabernet-Sauvignon or Merlot it is more fruity and accessible. The dry white wine of the Madiran area is known by the curious name of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh and is fruity and fresh. The sweet wine of late-harvested Pacherenc is a special treat, honeyed and smooth, not cloying, and with a spicy finish. The Madiran-Pacherenc area enjoys a gentle microclimate, the air is moistened by Atlantic breezes in the spring, while the protective hills ensure low rainfall during the summer and autumn. The reds and whites of the Côtes de Gascogne appellation in the Gers are excellent value for money and are beginning to gain more than a local reputation.
The wine producers of Gascony are represented by the Interprofessional Committee of the Wines of the Southwest
Armagnac - the spirit of Gascony! Armagnac has an aura of mystery about it. No one knows exactly when Armagnac was first made but it believed to have been made long before they developed a similar process in Cognac to the north. The vineyards which produce the wine for Armagnac occupy a vine leaf-shaped area in the centre of Gascony. The grape varieties are the versatile Ugni Blanc, the delicate Folle Blanche and the aromatic Colombard. There are as many subtle variations of Armagnac as there are small, independent producers. The vineyards are grouped in three appellations. The most productive appellation is the Bas-Armagnac area to the west, with its sandy soils, it produces light and fruity Armagnacs, known as Black Armagnac, from its association with the nearby forests. The appellation La Ténarèze in the centre produces vigorous, aromatic Armagancs. The Haut-Armagnac appellation to the east and south is a large terroir producing small quantities of high quality Armagnac, known as White Armagnac, because of the chalky soil in the area. The distinction between Bas and Haut describes the lie of the land rather than the quality of the Armagnac.
The Armagnac producers of Gascony are represented by the National Interprofessional Armagnac Bureau
To make a Gascon Cocktail: pour a measure of pousse-rapière into a tall wine glass and top up with Brut de Monluc sparkling wine. Pousse-rapière is a liqueur of sweetened Armagnac, in which oranges have been macerated. Literally it means "sword-thrust" and is a testimony to the legendary swordsmanship of Gascon soldiers.
Click on the tree to link to the Domaine de Lauroux, producers of Côtes de Gascogne, Floc de Gascogne and Armagnac, including some classic vintages, from the heart of the Gers.