Wines from the south-west

Madiran winefirst gained recognition from the 12th century onwards, with the arrival of Benedictine monks at Madiran Abbey. Having become a wine used in the Mass, its reputation quickly spread beyond the region’s borders, thanks to pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. François I and the English Court elevated it to the status of a true ‘Wine of the Lords’.

With 1,300 hectares of vineyards straddling three departments, Madiran is a hillside wine-growing region.

Rich in colour and tannins, it is a full-bodied wine that ages well and pairs perfectly with traditional dishes and local cheeses. It can be tasted directly at the producers’ premises or in the region’s cooperative cellars. It is found on every table in Lourdes’ restaurants and in local shops.

The earliest records of a wine-related transaction atSaint-Vincent Abbey (Lucq de Béarn) date back to 988. In 1552, Henri II d’Albret purchased a vineyard in Jurançon, but it was on 12 December 1553 that Jurançon made its grand entrance into French history, thanks to the christening of the future King of France, Henri IV, with Jurançon wine.

Dry or sweet white wines; lively, full-bodied wines with aromas of grape berries and broom flowers, with a hint of exotic fruit. This golden, deep and lively wine has a remarkable capacity for ageing.

It is particularly recommended as an aperitif, traditionally served with fresh or confit goose or duck liver and sheep’s cheese.

Although often overshadowed by Madiran, the wines of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh are well worth a try. Produced on the same hillsides, they charm with their freshness, finesse and rich aromatic profile.

Whether dry or sweet, these exceptional white wines are traditionally served as sweet wines at festive meals alongside foie gras.