South West France

APRIL 2024

Known in France as the Sud-Ouest, this wine region is large in size but low in population. It's rural, quiet, pastoral. Co-operatives abound. The region is little known which is a great recipe for value.

South West France has five sub-regions: the area around the Dordogne River (orange on the map), nearest to Bordeaux. The most famous AOC in the area is Bergerac and the grapes grown mirror Bordeaux -- Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon (whites) and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Cabernet Franc (reds). The second area (red on the map) which stretches from the Garonne River and the eastern border of Bordeaux to Toulouse, includes Cahors AOC and is known for producing Malbec (known as Cot in French). The third area (in purple) is Aveyron. The fourth area (in dark green) is the Côtes de Gascogne, and the fifth area (light green) includes several appellations in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Your club includes a Sauvignon Blanc from Côtes de Duras (orange on the map) and a red from Gascogne (dark green). Easy-drinking and fun because they are pretty darn obscure for French wines! Enjoy.

Côtes de Duras

Formerly known as Haut Pays Bordelais or upper Bordeaux wine country, Côtes de Duras (which was named its own AOC in 1937) shares a border with Bordeaux's Entre Deux Mers AOC. The oceanic climate is similar to Bordeaux, just a tad warmer as it's more inland, and the region grows the same grapes as Bordeaux as well.

Your club wine this month is a Sauvignon Blanc from a co-op located near the Berticot Castle (first constructed in the 1100's with fortifications in the 1300's). photo credit>

Secret de Berticot 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
Côtes de Duras, France // Reg $16.99 | Wine Club $14.99 | Mixed Case $11.99

Nose of acacia, mirabelle plums, citrus. Palate is minerally, chalky, lemon-lime. Fresh acidity. Quite a long finish for this price. Absolutely great seafood wine. Also great with fresh spring asparagus. As the weather warms, feel free to sip and enjoy! Drink now.

Côtes de Gascogne

Gascony is most famous for its brandy, Armagnac, but over the last 50 years, wine production has overtaken brandy. Wine production = 80% fruity, easy-drinking whites and 20% reds, known for their earthy depth. These everyday wines have healthy export markets primarily in England and Europe.

Co-ops produce the majority of wine from Gascony, but your club wine this month is from Domaine de Pajot, a 60-hectare estate on the hillsides around Eauze, the capital of Gascony (known for this old, wooden houses - pictured above). The Barreau family has run this estate for three generations, producing white varietals from this area: Colombard, Ugni-Blanc, Gros-Manseng & Sauvignon and red varietals: Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon.

"Since 2001, we have chosen Organic Farming, a production method that is more respectful of our grapes, our environment and our health.

We think we are in the right direction, the abandonment of chemical fertilizers has led us to think about soil fertility. It is now maintained by seedlings (beans, cereals, etc.) which will produce the organic matter necessary for the life of the soil and the nourishment of the vines; This increase in biodiversity is reinforced by the return of trees to young plantations: agroforestry.

We also host a troop of sheep who graze in the vineyard in winter until the buds begin to burst in spring. They then leave for the summer pasture in the Pyrenees. Part of the herd will remain for eco-grazing in our hazelnut orchard." –Clement Barreau, who runs the estate with his father, Damien.

Domaine de Pajot 2020 Le Betoulin Rouge
Côtes de Gascogne, France // Reg $14.99 | Mixed Case $11.99

Blend of 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. Organically grown. Aged in stainless steel tanks. Floral aromas with blackberry, black cherry fruit. Mild earthy tones on the palate. Juicy, light and dry, with dark fruit (black plums) and green pepper notes. Very drinkable for a wonderful price. This wine gives Loire Valley Cab Francs a run for their money! Drink now. The wine isn't heavy, but the tannins make it a great pairing with grilled meats, ham, roast beef and lamb.

Photo: Clement Barreau walking the vineyards with his son (5th generation)

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Great spring wines from the southwest corner of France. Hope you like them as much as we do.

Cheers,
Jens Strecker, Owner
Portalis Wine Shop