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Gascony is one of France’s most picturesque wine regions, located in the southwest of the country. The region is known for its beautiful landscapes and its unique wines.
The Gascony region is home to some of France’s most prestigious wineries, such as Château d’Yquem and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
The wines of Gascony are typically made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes. These wines are typically full-bodied and have high alcohol content. The region’s wines are often described as being “robust” and “hearty.”
Gascony is an ideal wine region for those who enjoy full-bodied wines with high alcohol content. The region’s wines are perfect for pairing with hearty dishes such as steak and lamb chops.
If you’re looking for a truly unique wine experience, Gascony is the perfect place to visit.
Wine History
This rural region has been associated with wine production since the Roman Empire. The Gascony region was once part of Aquitaine, which was annexed by France in 1453.
During the Hundred Years War, the English occupied Aquitaine and introduced grapevines to the region.
The wines of Gascony gained popularity in England during the reign of King Henry VIII. The English king was a fan of the region’s wines and often sent barrels of Gascony wine to his court.
In the 17th century, the region’s wines were introduced to the Dutch market. The Dutch East India Company began importing Gascony wines in large quantities.
By the 18th century, the wines of Gascony were being exported to all corners of the globe. The region’s wines became especially popular in the United States during the 19th century. Today, the wines of Gascony are enjoyed by wine lovers all over the world.
If you plan a visit, keep in mind that people in this region speak a Gascon language called Languedocian. It’s a rural dialect of Occitan, so you’ll likely hear some French words mixed in.
However, most people in the region also speak French, so you shouldn’t have any trouble communicating.
Terroir and Climate
The Gascony region has a temperate climate with hot summers and cool winters. The region receives an average of 2,000 hours of sunlight each year.
The landscape of Gascony is marked by rolling hills and plains. The soil in the region is rich in limestone and clay. These soils are ideal for grapevines.
The region’s climate and soils produce wines that are high in alcohol content, full-bodied, dark in color, and have intense flavors.
The Top Wines of Gascony
If you’re anxious to try some wines from Gascony, you may have a hard time finding something at your local store.
These wines are not widely available in the United States. However, you can find them online or at specialty wine shops.
- Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
- Château d’Yquem
- Domaine de Brin
- Domaine du Moulin
- Domaine Plageoles
- Domaine d’Escausses
- Domaine Rotier
1. Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
This world-renowned winery is located in the village of Vosne-Romanée. The winery produces some of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world.
The Domaine de la Romanee-Conti wines are made from Pinot Noir grapes that are grown in the region’s limestone soils.
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti was established in the 13th century. The winery’s wines have been enjoyed by royalty and nobility for centuries. Today, they are one of the most celebrated wineries in the world.
Two of the seven vineyards here are monopoles, which means they’re controlled entirely by one winery, while the other five vineyards produce some of the rarest wines you’ll ever drink.
2. Château d’Yquem
This prestigious winery is located in the village of Sauternes. The Château d’Yquem wines are made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are affected by botrytis cinerea, also known as “noble rot.”
The noble rot fungus attacks the grape berries and dehydrates them. This concentrates the sugars in the grapes, which results in a sweet wine.
The Château d’Yquem wines are some of the most expensive and coveted sweet wines in the world. They’re often compared to nectar or ambrosia.
If you have a chance to try one of these wines, it will be an experience you’ll never forget.
3. Domaine de Brin
The wines at Domaine de Brin are typical of those grown in Galliac appellation. The wines are fruity, fresh, and have a medium body.
The Domaine de Brin vineyards are located on the right bank of the Garonne River. The region’s climate is influenced by the river, which provides a cooler microclimate for the vines.
The Domaine de Brin wines are made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec grapes. The winery produces both red and white wines and they range from sweet to dry, so you can enjoy whatever you like best.
You’ll find a bit more variety here than you may at other wineries, which means their wines aren’t quite as high quality, but the atmosphere is fun and the scenery is always hard to beat.
It’s a welcoming place to spend an afternoon trying multiple wines.
4. Domaine du Moulin
It’s pretty unbelievable how much history is in the winemaking industry in France. This sixth-generation winemaker just opened a brand new tasting room, so it’s pretty obvious they’re doing something right.
The Moulin family has been making wine in the same spot since 1814, so they know a thing or two about it.
The Domaine du Moulin wines are made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes that are grown in the region’s clay soils. These wines are fruity and easy to drink. They’re perfect for enjoying on a warm summer day.
The new tasting room is beautiful, and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
5. Domaine Plageoles
This four-season winery is located in the heart of Gaillac. The Domaine Plageoles wines are made from native grape varieties that are grown in the region’s limestone soils.
The winery produces both red and white wines, as well as a few roses. The whites are some of the most unique you’ll ever try. They’re often compared to Chablis wines, but with a bit more fruitiness.
The reds are made from the Braucol and Duras grape varieties. These wines are full-bodied and have high tannin levels. They’re perfect for drinking with red meat or hearty dishes.
The Domaine Plageoles vineyards are open to the public year-round, so you can take a stroll and enjoy the stunning views. The winery also offers horse-drawn carriage rides, which is a fun way to tour the property.
6. Domaine d’Escausses
The Balaran family owns and operates this family-run winery. The Domaine d’Escausses vineyards are located on the plateau of Saint-Jean-de-Minervois. The region’s climate is perfect for growing grapes, and the limestone soils provide excellent drainage.
The wines at Domaine d’Escausses are made from a blend of French and international grape varieties. The red wines are made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah grapes. The whites are made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes.
The winery offers a variety of wine tastings, so you can try multiple wines and find your favorite. They also offer a cheese plate, which is the perfect pairing for their wines.
One of the best things about this winery is that they combine a rich history of traditional winemaking with contemporary creativity.
7. Domaine Rotier
This family winery grows Duras, Prunelart, Syrah, and Braucol reds as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Loin de l’oeil whites.
The Domaine Rotier vineyards are located on the slopes of the Montagne Noire. The region’s climate is perfect for grape-growing, and the limestone soils provide excellent drainage.
The red wines at Domaine Rotier are full-bodied and have high tannin levels. They’re perfect for drinking with red meat or hearty dishes. The whites are crisp and refreshing. They’re perfect for enjoying on a warm summer day.
The vineyards have been certified organic since 2012, and they use sustainable practices to make all of their wines.
Since 1985, they’ve been eliminating chemicals from all of their fertilizers and vineyard treatments, which means that the grapes grown there today are some of the most natural and healthy you’ll ever find.
Further Reading
- The Top Wine Producing Regions In The World
- A Guide to the Wines of Roussillon, France
- The Best Wines of Pomerol, France
