Southwest France presented the first edition of its annual Walk-Around Tasting event in Chicago and Boston
New York, NY – May 23 2018 – Wines of Southwest France hosted the first edition of their annual walk-around tasting on April 23 and April 25 in Chicago and Boston respectively. The events featured over 70 high-quality wines from 18 producers and wine merchants traveling thousands of miles to bring Southwest France wines right to Americans’ lips.
Hosted by André Compeyre, Southwest France ambassador and Chef Sommelier at Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, the event saw hundreds of attendees dive into this iconic region known for unequaled gems and commitment to heritage and innovation. “We are proud to have given a taste of Wines of Southwest to Chicago and Boston,” said André Compeyre. “Named 2017 Wine Region of The Year, Southwest France is little known in the U.S. yet offers a fantastic diversity of wines, most of which are unique since they’re produced from native grapes such as Loin de L’Oeil, Négrette or Tannat. They are a well-kept secret that Americans are excited to get in on.”
A diversity of aromas for a unique sensory experience
The wines of Southwest can treat you not only to new wine experiences but also surprising taste and unique sensory discovery. Thanks to a wide variety of grapes, the wines from Southwest France have subtle and varied flavors ranging from mouthful violet and truffle to vibrant pepper and grapefruit. These flavors are refined thanks to the research done by the Southwest division of the French Institute for Vine and Wine (IFV). As a result, Southwest winemakers have access to the tools they need to optimize the exceptional bouquet of the native grape varieties.
Not sure which wines from the Southwest France to choose for this summer? Here’s a selection of appellations to explore by aromas:
- Grapefruit – This fruity aroma can be found in the white wines of Côtes de Gascogne, the rosés of Fronton and Côtes du Lot appellations.
- Blackcurrant bud and blackcurrant – With Southwest’s sunshine and hot temperatures, the red wines from Gaillac, Irouléguy, Bergerac, and Marcillac develop these typical notes.
- Truffle – As they age, sweet or dessert wines made with Petit and Gros Manseng (Côtes de Gascogne, Côtes du Lot, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh or other dry white wines of Irouléguy and Saint Mont) and the red wines with Malbec (Cahors) showcase mouthful aromas of truffle.
- Violet – Typical of red wines made with Négrette from Fronton.
- Black Pepper – Identifiable in red wines made with Duras, Prunelard (Gaillac) and often Négrette (Fronton).
- Banana – Present in the bouquet of red Vins de Primeur (Gaillac, Côtes du Lot) and most white and rosé southwest wines.
- Coconut – Coconut notes in wines are associated with aging or maturing in barrels. These aromas are typical of wines made with Malbec and Tannat.
- Silex – Characteristic of gravelly soils (Côtes de Duras blanc sec).
- Orange rind – Signature of the great sweet wines of Monbazillac.
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the massive Pyrenees Mountains in the south, the Southwest is home to a climatic and geological variety that defines the region’s wine diversity. With 42 geographical designations and over 300 grape varieties referenced, 120 of which are native to the region, the Southwest’s wine offer is unprecedented. The region’s uniqueness of the terroir and commitment to preserving its natural wine heritage, by using the best available technology in the full respect of the environment, make it an obvious choice for the 2017 Wine Enthusiast Wine Region of the year award.
Regardless of whether you are enjoying the summer at home or on vacation at the beach or in the mountains, the Wines of Southwest France will offer you great drinking and great exploration.
About Interprofession des Vins du Sud-Ouest France
Interprofession des Vins du Sud-Ouest (IVSO) is a professional organization of wine producers, cooperatives, and trading companies in the Southwestern corner of France. The organization represents 29 Protected Designation of Origin, 13 Protected Geographical Indication in France bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west, and Spain and the Pyrenees Mountains on the south. Headquartered in Toulouse, the IVSO is actively building its membership and increasing its promotion of the wines of Southwest France around the world.
For more information on white wines of Southwest France, please visit www.winesofsouthwestfrance.com
Follow @WinesofSWFrance on Twitter and Facebook.
