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Southern France offers a smorgasbord of wine experiences that takes us beyond the familiar territory of Provence rosés and Languedoc reds. In this guide, we'll take an in-depth look into some lesser-known but equally enchanting regions such as Bergerac, Monbazillac, Pécharmant, Fitou, Cahors, Madiran, Corbières, Jura, and Gaillac, not to forget a special mention of Vin de Paille wines and the sub-regions of Provence.

The Gems of Southwest France

Bergerac

Bergerac, located just east of Bordeaux, has a broad palette of wines. The reds, primarily from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, often have a robust character with ripe fruit and warm spice notes. The whites, made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, range from dry, crisp acidity and citrus notes to sweet and luscious.

Monbazillac

Monbazillac, a subset of Bergerac, is renowned for its sweet white wines. Made primarily from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, the wines are produced from botrytized grapes, resulting in honeyed, rich, and luscious wines that can age for decades.

Pécharmant

Pécharmant creates robust red wines within the Bergerac region that blend Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. These wines are often deep and structured and can age gracefully, showcasing dark fruit and spicy notes.

Cahors

Cahors is synonymous with Malbec, here called "Auxerrois" or "Côt." Cahors' style is more rustic than Argentine Malbec, with robust tannins, dark fruit, and often tobacco and spice notes. The wines are long-lived and often improve with cellaring.

Madiran

Madiran's red wines, known for their structure and tannic backbone, are primarily made from the Tannat grape. These wines are known for their intense dark fruit flavors, high tannins, and significant aging potential.

The Charms of the South

Fitou

In the Languedoc-Roussillon region, Fitou is known for its red wines. Made from Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah, the wines are often deeply colored and robust and showcase a balance of fruit and spice.

Corbières

Also in Languedoc, Corbières is one of the largest appellations and produces mostly red wines. The primary grapes are Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, producing wines that range from bright and fruity to deep and complex.

Gaillac

Located in the Southwest, Gaillac is one of the oldest wine regions in France. It produces reds, whites, and rosés. The reds are made from Duras, Braucol, and Syrah, while whites are crafted from Mauzac, Len de l'El, and Muscadelle, leading to various styles.

Jura and its Unique Wines

Jura, an eastern wine region, is known for its unique and eclectic wine styles. Among them is Vin de Paille, a sweet wine made from grapes dried to concentrate their juice. Made from Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, and Trousseau, these wines are known for their intensity, richness, and dried fruit and honey notes.

The Radiance of Provence and its Sub-regions

Provence is not merely about rosé - the region's sub-appellations like Bandol, Cassis, and Bellet also produce remarkable wines.

Bandol

Bandol, located within the Provence wine region, is renowned for its powerful and tannic reds, fragrant rosés, and rich white wines. While reds and rosés primarily feature Mourvèdre, often blended with Grenache and Cinsault, the whites are typically made from Clairette and Bourboulenc. The region's regulations require that Mourvèdre constitute at least 50% of the blend for reds and rosés, reflecting its importance to Bandol's distinctive style.

Cassis

Cassis, another jewel of Provence, is unique for its focus on white wines, which comprise about 70% of its production. These aromatic and fresh whites are usually crafted from Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Ugni Blanc. They are often noted for their citrus and floral notes, underpinned by a distinctive minerality.

Bellet

Bellet, one of the smallest appellations in France, is located within the city of Nice. It produces red, white, and rosé wines. The reds and rosés are primarily made from Braquet and Folle Noire, while the whites feature Rolle (Vermentino). These wines are known for their elegance and unique character, embodying the terroir of the Provençal hills.