10 things you should know about Wines of Southwest France

willywng

On Wednesday, October 10, 2018 9:45 AM, Wines of South West France <[email protected]> wrote
1
                Known as "France's Hidden Corner", the southwest region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the massive Pyrenees Mountains. The region is France's fourth largest region in production volume.

2                 Grape vines were likely first planted in southwestern France around 125 BC by the Romans who brought vines and wines with them during the Roman Empire's westward expansion.

3                 With its 45,000 hectares of land and astounding 42 geographical designations and over 300 grape varieties referenced, the Southwest's wine offer is unprecedented. In 2017, 270 million bottles were sold in 110 countries.

4                 Here are some options among the region's 29 AOPs or Appellations d'Origine Protégée available in the U.S:

- Crisp whites – Côtes de Gascogne, Irouléguy
- Aromatic rosés – Fronton, Marcillac
- Fruity reds – Gaillac, Côtes du Marmandais
- Full-body reds – Saint-Mont, Madiran and Cahors, the latter which is the birthplace of Malbec, Saint-Mont
- Sweet wines – Bergerac, Monbazillac and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh

5                 The region is the birthplace of many grapes. You know and love such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. These grape varieties are the basic blend of Bergerac and Duras red wines for example.

6                 The Southwest France has also an amazing treasure trove of 130 of France's native grapes you won't find anywhere else nurtured by winemakers committed to their heritage and to innovation. They include Negrette, Fer Servadou, Prunelard, Loin de l'Oeil, which have almost disappeared elsewhere.

7                 Wines from Southwest are versatile when combined with food. The whites are perfect with appetizers and with seafood or light fish dishes. The reds are made for summer BBQ and winter roast meats of duck, beef, lamb and pork.

8                 The current generation of Southwest vignerons are at the forefront of the modern winemaking movement, using trailblazing viticulture techniques that are respectful of the environment and sustainable. The vineyard of the South-West was a pioneer in organic viticulture. For example, the entire vineyard of Bergerac Duras has 20% of its surface area organic. In the winery, new fermentation practices have been specially developed to emphasize the fruit of some previously rather tough red wines, enabling them to be enjoyed young.

9                 The region's uniqueness of the terroir and commitment to preserving its natural wine heritage, make it an obvious choice for the 2017 Wine Enthusiast Wine Region of the year award.

10                 American loves Wines of Southwest France, and the region known for its beautiful landscape vineyards is one of France's primary destinations for wine tourism to explore. The US is the 5th biggest export market for the region. And the love continues to grow year after year: 2.7 million sold in the USA in 2017, an increase of +70% in 3 years.

fortunerfamily

great info，good to know。。

LasCases

Southwest 酒香港唔太普及