When one mentions Gascony, first think that comes up to mind after Foie Gras is Armagnac.
Most of us tend to neglect the fact that grape varietals like Tannat which is popular in Uruguay and Argentina come from the region.
Southwest France has many small appellations like Cotes de Buzet, Gaillac, Bergerac, Marcillac, Fronton. For many of you they might better be described as under the radar.
Getting back to the Gascony area, the dominant red is Madiran, a robust red made of Tannat.
After interviewing Pascal Aussignac of Club Gascon, I decided to follow up with a look at the regions wines.
I just tasted Colombelle, a Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne, which Philippe of Producteurs Plaimont was kind enough to send my way.
Refreshing with tropical fruit tones and lots of character, the Colombelle White 2009 is 70% Colombard, 30% Ugni Blanc.
If you are eager to take a break from same old, same old choices, you will be pleased.
Sip it or pair with many foods including sweet and spicy ones from Asia.
Jancis Robinson in Southwest France (Jancisrobinson.com, 2008) offers a quick and clear overview of this region's wines notes that as Bordeaux they are more influenced by the Atlantic than the Mediterranean.