IGP Landes Rouge

History of the IGP Landes Appellation

The Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) Landes represents the essence of winemaking in this region of southwestern France. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees, this area is traditionally known for its vast pine forests and diverse landscapes. The wine history of the Landes dates back centuries, even if wine production here has not achieved the same fame as neighboring regions like Bordeaux. However, interest in Landes wines has been growing in recent years. The IGP Landes, with its variety of grape varieties and styles, offers an impressive range of wines that appeal to a wide audience of wine lovers, 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 Landes climate features mild winters, temperate summers, and relatively high rainfall throughout the year.
• Soils: The terroir of the IGP Landes varies from fine, acidic sands typical of the Landes de Gascogne forest region to clay-limestone soils in more hilly areas. This diversity allows for the production of wines with varied aromatic profiles, depending on where the vines are grown.

Grape Varieties of the IGP Landes

The IGP Landes permits a wide variety of grape types, enabling winemakers to explore different expressions of their terroir. For red and rosé wines, grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat are commonly used, each adding unique flavor and structural characteristics. For white wines, Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gros Manseng are the main varieties, producing fresh and aromatic wines.

Style of IGP Landes Wines

Red wine: Deep ruby to garnet color. Nose: Red and black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry) dominate the aroma profile, often complemented by spicy and lightly oaked notes. Palate: These wines are well-structured, with soft tannins and balanced acidity, delivering a pleasant, lingering finish.

Rosé wine: IGP Landes rosé wine has a pale pink to salmon color and is known for its freshness and lightness. Nose: These rosés offer aromas of fresh red fruits like strawberry and raspberry, with floral hints. Palate: On the palate, these wines are crisp, with lively acidity that makes them particularly refreshing.

White wine: The IGP Landes produces white wines with a pale yellow color and green reflections. Nose: The nose typically showcases aromas of white-fleshed fruits (apple, pear), citrus (lemon, grapefruit), tropical fruits (passion fruit), and subtle floral and mineral notes. Palate: On the palate, these white wines are vibrant and refreshing, with a good level of acidity balancing their fruitiness.

Best Food Pairings with IGP Landes Wine

Here are some recipe ideas for the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of red, white, or rosé wine from an IGP Landes estate or château:

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