Translation missing: en.South-West France: South-West France

The south-west region of France is a highly underappreciated region that can produce some incredibly unique wines for a fraction of the price that the more well-known regions do. This is where Malbec finds its home made in much more rustic style than those of Argentina. The reds from this area are often dark and tannic and can make a good alternative to Bordeaux, the whites are textural and the best sweet wines can rival the best Châteaux of Sauternes.

LOCATION:
The south-west region of France is located with Bordeaux to the north, the Pyrenees and Spain to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

TERROIR:
Bergerac & Dordogne River: This area is closest to Bordeaux and shares many characteristics such as being influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, although temperatures here are slightly warmer than Bordeaux.

Garonne & Tarn: This area is further east and is quite large in scope. The part that is further west is influenced by the Atlantic while the eastern most part is influenced by the Mediterranean with less rain and higher temperatures.

Lot River: Influenced by both the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans and is influenced by mountain ranges with limestone plateaus. 

Pyrénées: This area has much less oceanic influence and is instead marked by the Pyrenees mountain range and has much less rainfall and higher temperatures than the other regions.

VARIETIES:
Bergerac & Dordogne River: Similar grapes to Bordeaux - Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle are the main whites with some Chenin Blanc and Ugni Blanc too and the reds are dominated by Bordeaux varieties. 

Garonne & Tarn: There are lots of native grapes here including Len de L’el and Mauzac Blanc for the whites and the native reds include Fer Servadou, Negrette, Tannat with some planings of Gamay, Syrah and Cinsault as well.

Lot River: Most of the same grape varieties from the Garonne & Tam region are grown here with the addition of Malbec being the major player in this region, specifically in Cahors.

Pyrénées: Lots of rare grapes here too with the whites consisting of Camarelet, Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Lauzet and Raffiat and the red grapes being Tannat, Manseng Noir and Courbu Noir.

PRODUCERS:

Château du Cedre, Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve, Brumont Château Montus, Château Tirecul-La-Graviere, Clos Joliette, Château Labastide Orliac, Domaine Arretxea