Cotes de Gascogne

Cotes de Gascogne is a broad area covering the Gers administrative region along with the smaller parts of Landes and Lot-et-Garonne, incorporating 12,000ha of vineyards. Viticulture has a long history in this part of France, with evidence dating to Roman times. As this are covers a lot of ground, there is no one distinct terroir or climate, with an increased maritime influence nearer the coast, and drier, warmer conditions further inland. Wines bearing the Cotes de Gascogne IGP are mainly white, made from local varieties such as Courbu, Gros Manseng, Colombard and Arrufiac, with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay widely used. Reds make up less than 10% of production, focussing on Tannat, Cot (Malbec) and Cabernet Sauvignon.