IGP Landes Blanc Moelleux

The Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) Landes is an appellation that captures the essence of the winemaking heritage in this southwestern French region. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees, this area is traditionally known for its vast pine forests and varied landscapes. The winemaking history of the Landes dates back several centuries, although its production has not reached the same renown as neighboring wine regions like Bordeaux. However, in recent years, interest in Landes wines has steadily grown. The IGP Landes, with its diversity of grape varieties and styles, offers a wide range of wines that appeal to a broad audience, while reflecting the unique character of this southwestern French region.

Climate and Terroir of the IGP Landes

• Climate: Strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the climate in the Landes features mild winters, temperate summers, and relatively high rainfall throughout the year.
• Soils: The terroir of the IGP Landes is diverse, ranging from fine, acidic sands typical of the Landes de Gascogne forest area to clay-limestone soils in the hillier regions. This variety of soils allows for the production of wines with diverse aromatic profiles, depending on where the vines are grown.

Grape Varieties of the IGP Landes

The IGP Landes allows for a wide variety of grape varieties, enabling winemakers to explore different expressions of their terroir. For red and rosé wines, popular varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat, each contributing its own flavor characteristics and structure. For white wines, dominant varieties include Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gros Manseng, producing fresh and aromatic wines.

Wine Styles of IGP Landes

Red Wine: Deep ruby to garnet in color, red wines from IGP Landes offer a rich aromatic palette of red and black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry), often accompanied by spicy and slightly woody notes. On the palate, these wines are well-structured, with soft tannins and balanced acidity, offering a long, smooth finish.

Rosé Wine: Rosé wines from IGP Landes have a pale pink to salmon hue and are characterized by their freshness and lightness. These rosés reveal aromas of fresh red fruits, such as strawberry and raspberry, along with floral notes. On the palate, these wines are crisp, with vibrant acidity that makes them especially refreshing.

White Wine: IGP Landes produces white wines with a pale yellow hue and greenish reflections. The nose typically offers aromas of white-fleshed fruits (apple, pear), citrus (lemon, grapefruit), exotic fruits (passion fruit), and sometimes subtle floral and mineral notes. On the palate, these white wines are lively and refreshing, with a bright acidity that balances the fruity character.

Best Food Pairings with IGP Landes Wines

Here are some great recipe ideas to pair with a bottle of red, white, or rosé wine from an IGP Landes estate or château:

• White wine: mussels in white wine sauce, sushi and maki, shrimp stir-fry with ginger
• Rosé wine: piperade, Landes salad
• Red wine: cassoulet, black pudding with apples, shepherd’s pie