Vive Le Sud-Ouest - The Exciting Wines of South West FranceFrench Institute Alliance Française Wine Tour de France 2013

There could not have been a better time to be introduced to the exciting wines of the "Sud Ouest", South Western France. These bright and festive wines make for wonderful summer sipping.

You see, just to the east and south of landmark Bordeaux there is a resplendent populace of wine regions with an almost dizzying diversity of wines to enjoy.

Fortunately, Pascaline Lepeltier, Wine Director at Rouge Tomate, was able to bring them all to focus at a fabulous event at French Institute Alliance Française.

We tasted three reds, vin rouge, and three whites, vin blanc. Exploring these wines introduces you to a lexicon of grape names. Don't be intimidated, they are all good.

The Vin Blanc...

Domaine Plageoles, Mauzac Nature, 2011. The grape is Mauzac in this fine sparkling wine from Gaillac. It has flavors of citrus & yellow apple cider with a creamy concentrated flavors of white fruits and citrus sweetness. It has a carmelly, marzipan flavor at the end. Would love this with raw oysters, or cheese.

Tour des Gendres, Cuvée des Conti, 2006. Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle are the grapes, from the Bergerac region just east of Bordeaux, "The color is pale gold, brilliant. Aromas of acacia flowers, orange, white peach accompany a mouth roundness, freshness, balance." Winemaker Fabulous with cheese, salads, and fish.

Château Jolys Cuvée Jean, 2009. Is a enticing dessert wine from Jurançon region. It is 100% Petit Manseng, one of my favorite grapes that I first discovered in Virginia. "Shiny gold, fine and delicate nose, which has notes of honey, acacia, loquat, apricot and white peaches." Winemaker Delicious alone, with cheese or any dessert.

The Vin Rouge

Château Bouissel, 2009, from Fronton, made from Négrette, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec (also known as Cot in France). A rich and flavorful medium bodied wine that will compliment any summer bar-b-que.

Château de Haute-Serre, 2008, is from Cahors, all Malbec, more powerful and rich. "The passionate work of a winegrower-winemaker family, on this really clayey, low lime terroir that is predestined to wine growing, transforms the noble Malbec grapes to give an atypical Cahors in a very personal style." Winemaker Great with steaks, meaty stews or ribs.

Pascaline told the story of these wines and the struggles of the people who make them with such fervor.

Domaine Brana, “Ohitza” Irouleguy Rouge, 2010, made from 80% Tannat and 20% Cabernet Franc, in the appellation of Irouleguy a small group of vineyards on the hillsides of the Pyrenees in the Pays Basque. Tannat can be a bit of anacquired taste, but once you do you may love it. I readily pour this with Pate or burgers on a picnic or cookout.

In typical French Institute Alliance Française style, this tasting wwas a double feature with the always entertaining and enlightening Maître Fromager Max McCalman of Artisinal Cheese in NY.

He discussed the French cheeses by Président and Société, and charcuterie from the region, specially selected by D’Artagnan, which were served with the wines.