Southwest France
Cahors and Malbec, Madiran and Tannat, Jurançon and Manseng: three starting points, not one regional style.
To get started
Cahors Malbec is also called Côt, allowing comparison with Mendoza. Distinguish dry and sweet Jurançon before pairing. Fronton highlights Négrette, while Gaillac offers several colours and sparkling wines: check each appellation.
Key grapes
Malbec — Deep colour, plum and a plush texture. Deep colour does not always mean harsh tannins: check freshness and texture, especially across sites of different altitude.
Tannat — A structured grape associated with Madiran and Saint-Mont reds. Compare a young Madiran and one ready to drink, checking each blend.
Petit Manseng — A Pyrenean grape important in sweet Jurançon whites. With a fruit tart, compare the sweetness of dessert and wine first.
Cabernet Franc — An important red grape in Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny. Choose two Loire appellations from the same vintage. Record freshness and tannins before comparing your preferences.
Sémillon — Sauvignon’s partner in dry and sweet Bordeaux whites. Compare a dry white Graves and a Sauternes: separate texture, sugar and acidity.
Compare regions
Compare regions in the same country too: the same grape can produce different wines as climate, site and producer choices change.
Style descriptions are guides, not rules: vintage, vineyard, blending and maturation change the result.
