Red wines with character, subtle rosés
Wine-making dates back to ancient times (thanks in part to the Romans) and vines form a large part of the Béarn landscape. Later, in the 17th century, Huguenot expatriates introduced wine from Béarn to England and Holland. Thus began the export of wines from Béarn!
Famous for its Jurançon, Béarn also has some excellent red wines, such as Madiran and AOC Béarn. You can recognise Madiran by its ruddy colour.This wine is made from two grape varieties: Tannat and Cabernet, which give it bouquet, finesse and structure. This wine requires specific viticulture.
Its vines cover 1200 hectares. Of the 3500 hectares of tannat in the world (there are even some in Uruguay!), 1400 hectares are concentrated in Madiran. This full-bodied, warm wine is perfect with red meat, game and cheese.
The AOC Béarn appellation is found in the Vic-Bilh region, which produces mainly red and rosé wines. The grape varieties are essentially local: tannat, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon.
AOC Béarn Bellocq, part of AOC Béarn, covers 90 hectares of vineyards around Bellocq, Orthez, Lahontan and Salies-de-Béarn.
Thanks to its geographical position and limestone soil, the vineyards are sheltered from the cold winds and spring frosts. Tannat is the grape variety par excellence in Béarn Bellocq.
This variety produces powerful, full-bodied red wines, softened by the fruity, supple character of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, which is more noticeable in the rosés.
La Cave de Gan Jurançon - Bellocq site
The Cave de Bellocq, founded in 1946 and integrated into the Cave de Jurançon in 2000, produces red and rosé AOP Béarn wines thanks to the work of 50 winegrowers on 150 hectares of vines. It mainly grows tannat, cabernet franc (bouchy) and cabernet sauvignon, and harvests the grapes entirely by hand. The tour takes in the winemaking process and ends with a tasting of AOP Béarn and Jurançon wines. The shop also sells Jurançon PDO wines from the Cave de Jurançon.
Further information on Cave de Gan Jurançon - Site de Bellocq
How to drink Madiran and AOC Béarn?
Rosé wines should be drunk at between 8 and 10°C. It can be drunk from the beginning to the end of a meal, but is particularly well suited to accompanying cold meats, grilled meats, kebabs or mixed salads. It is also a light accompaniment to spicy dishes...
The red wine is served at 14°C. It is an ideal accompaniment to all local dishes: kebabs, beef chops, duck breast and duck confit. Visit our local producers to find out more about these wines from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Pyrenean hillsides! Discovering the know-how that goes into making a wine is a pleasure for the mind and the senses. And our producers know how to pass on the taste of their land.
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