The South West
Main grapes: Malbec, Merlot, Tannat
Sub-regions: Bergerac, Monbazillac, Cahors, Côtes de Gascogne, Madiran
Climate: Moderate maritime, though less vulnerable to the temperamental weather of the coast.
You should know... In the past the wines of Cahors have been known for being very tannic – desert dry mouth level tannic. Equally, the wines of the Madiran further south are made from the very tannic Tannat grape. Not to be out done by these powerhouses, the complex sweet wines from the Jurançon are made from the high acid Petit Manseng grapes.
Sub-regions: Bergerac, Monbazillac, Cahors, Côtes de Gascogne, Madiran
Climate: Moderate maritime, though less vulnerable to the temperamental weather of the coast.
You should know... In the past the wines of Cahors have been known for being very tannic – desert dry mouth level tannic. Equally, the wines of the Madiran further south are made from the very tannic Tannat grape. Not to be out done by these powerhouses, the complex sweet wines from the Jurançon are made from the high acid Petit Manseng grapes.
