After passing through the heart of the Loire Valley vineyards , the Tour de France continues its journey south towards the first mountain stages. As we approach the Pyrenees, let's gain some altitude and discover the charms of the Southwest 's vineyards. This detour promises a breathtaking wine-growing panorama!
A journey through the heart of the vineyards of the Southwest
To properly prepare for our Vineyard Tour, a few technical and meteorological details are necessary. With a very contrasting climate, the Southwest region has no less than 300 grape varieties and features around twenty vineyards spread across four main sub-regions: Bergerac and Duras, the Middle Garonne, the Foothills of the Massif Central and the Pyrenean Foothills.
These territories are distinguished from one another by very different climatic conditions and a wide range of geological features. While the vineyards of Bergerac and Duras benefit from an oceanic climate with continental influences, the vines of the Pyrenean foothills must contend with the harsh mountain climate, tempered by the mildness and humidity of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the vineyards of Bergerac and Duras share similar characteristics with the neighboring Bordeaux vineyards , the vineyards south of the Massif Central foothills are distinguished by a climate with southern influences.
While waiting to enjoy the benefits of the Mediterranean Sea, cyclists will have to tackle the various legendary mountain passes of the Pyrenees!
A tour of the main appellations of the Southwest
On the Tour route for over 100 years, the South-West region has become an essential stage of the Grande Boucle but also attracts many wine enthusiasts each year who come to discover the twenty or so appellations that the region offers.
They come to the foothills of the Massif Central to appreciate the power and elegance of Cahors or Gaillac wines , which come in a wide range of colors. The Bergerac region, for its part, can rely on the inimitable taste of Monbazillac to charm its visitors. This region also offers excellent red, rosé, and white wines, such as Bergerac . A visit to the region would be incomplete without discovering the Côtes-de-Duras. The Middle Garonne will also delight our palates with Fronton wines , in both red and rosé , or with the Côtes-du-Marmandais, offering fragrant and supple red and rosé wines, as well as fresh and fruity whites.
Before joining the Tour, we discover the atypical wines of the Pyrenean Piedmont such as Irouléguy, offering an original red wine with aromas of spices and wild flowers, an aromatic and virile rosé wine, as well as a fresh white wine with a beautiful aromatic length.
Gourmet stops in the Southwest
Beyond competition, the reputation of Southwestern French cuisine is undeniable! You'll have no trouble finding a specialty to complement and enhance the region's wines!
Are you a big fan of powerful and full-bodied red wines? Enjoy fine cuts of meat from the region such as Aubrac farm beef , Barèges-Gavarnie lamb, or the famous duck breast from the Southwest.
Do you prefer young, fresh and fruity red wines? These wines will pair wonderfully with Gascon beef with foie gras from the Southwest, farm chicken leg from Gers, or with dishes featuring pink garlic from Lautrec.
Would you prefer a dry white wine ? Dry white wines with fruity and lively aromas will be perfect with cheese -based dishes such as the famous Laguiole soufflé.
Do you prefer a mellow and sweet wine ? They can accompany a dish like a farm-raised guinea fowl from Gers, or can be paired with a dessert like the Chasselas pyramid from Moissac.
Are you tempted by a rosé wine ? They will be perfect with Aveyron veal breast and confit Ségala.
Stage commentary : While the climbs in the Pyrenees always hold many surprises, the wines of the Southwest never cease to amaze us with their diversity and typicity.
Quentin (Les Grappes)
