Côtes de Gascogne IGP

Côtes de Gascogne IGP sits in Southwest France, positioned between Bordeaux and the Spanish border, west of Toulouse. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west and the Pyrenees to the east. The region overlaps geographically with the Armagnac, Madiran, and St-Mont AOCs, and its three distinct terroir zones correspond to the Armagnac sub-regions of Bas-Armagnac, Ténarèze, and Haut-Armagnac. Vineyards sit at average elevations of 165 to 180 meters.

• Bas-Armagnac: sandy-clay soils known as boulbènes, generally regarded as the finest terroir for Armagnac brandy
• Ténarèze: clay-limestone soils called terrefort, producing fuller-bodied wines
• Haut-Armagnac: clay-limestone with gravel and peyrusquets, the warmest and driest sub-zone
• Condomois sub-appellation covers particularly hot, dry vineyard sites around Condom

The region experiences a temperate oceanic climate with Atlantic influence as its foundation, layered with Mediterranean warmth from easterly winds and continental effects. Winters are mild, springs wet, and summers warm and dry, with summer temperatures reaching 25 to 30°C. Annual rainfall averages 736 to 741mm. This combination of reliable sunshine and moderate rainfall suits the production of fresh, aromatic white wines with natural acidity.

• Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures and provides moisture during spring
• Mediterranean warmth from easterly winds extends the growing season
• Warm, dry summers at 25-30°C allow full phenolic ripeness
• Annual rainfall of approximately 736-741mm supports viticulture without irrigation

With over 40 authorized varieties, Côtes de Gascogne IGP offers more flexibility than the AOC appellations it overlaps with. For whites, Colombard and Ugni Blanc have historically dominated, producing crisp, high-acid wines originally destined for Armagnac distillation. Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng add aromatic richness and structure. International varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sémillon are also permitted. Red production draws on Merlot, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Syrah.

• Colombard and Ugni Blanc: workhorse whites originally grown for Armagnac distillation
• Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng: aromatic Gascon varieties adding tropical fruit and structure
• Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon, and Muscadelle permitted for international appeal
• Tannat anchors red production alongside Merlot, the Cabernets, Malbec, and Syrah

Wine production in Gascony dates to Roman times, though the modern identity of the region was shaped by the Armagnac brandy trade. Following the phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th century, vineyards were replanted with high-yield varieties suited to distillation. The Vin de Pays system was established by French decree on September 13, 1968, and the appellation was officially named Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne in 1974. Production standards were enhanced on January 25, 1982. The region transitioned to IGP status in 2009 under European classification reforms.

• Roman-era wine production precedes modern appellation boundaries
• Armagnac brandy heritage shaped grape selection, favoring high-acid Colombard and Ugni Blanc
• Officially named Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne in 1974
• Reclassified as IGP in 2009, providing European Protected Geographical Indication status

Côtes de Gascogne is France's fourth largest generic wine-selling region, with approximately 60% of production exported. The export success is driven by fresh, fruit-forward whites at accessible price points. Domaine du Tariquet and Château de Pellehaut are among the best-known estates, alongside Domaine Horgelus, Domaine d'Arton, Domaine d'Uby, and Domaine Saint-Lannes. The Plaimont Producteurs cooperative also plays a significant role in regional production and distribution.

• Domaine du Tariquet is widely recognized as the region's most prominent producer internationally
• Plaimont Producteurs cooperative handles substantial volume and supports smaller growers
• Fourth largest generic wine-selling region in France by volume
• Export market accounts for roughly 60% of total production