Without a doubt, Bordeaux is the most famous appellation in southwestern France and the Aquitaine region. However, there are other appellations within the region whose wines are produced from the same grape varieties as Bordeaux, are similar in style, but are less well-known, if not virtually unknown, outside the country.
One of these is the protected geographical indication (IGP) Agenais, covering just 84 hectares and located in the Lot-et-Garonne department. This appellation was officially created in 1982 (then called Vin du Pays Agenais), but in 2009 it received the status of protected geographical indication (IGP Agenais).
Where is it?
Southeast of Bordeaux, approximately halfway to Toulouse, it is crossed by the Garonne and Lot rivers. However, the grapes for the wines must be grown within the department.
A Little History
Vineyards in the Lot-et-Garonne department have existed since the 18th century, with vines being planted so rapidly that in 1747, the Bordeaux governor banned the establishment of new vineyards, which had begun to replace grain crops, fearing famine. However, in the late 19th century, the department’s vineyards did not escape the fate of other European regions and were devastated by phylloxera. Since the mid-20th century, the vineyards have been revived and received the general designation of Vin du Pays Agenais in 1982, and then the more specific IGP Agenais in 2009.
IGP Agenais Terroir
The climate is similar to the oceanic climate of Bordeaux, but with a more continental influence, as the Lot-et-Garonne department is located further from the Atlantic Ocean, meaning the temperature difference is more pronounced: summers are hotter and winters are colder. However, the Atlantic influence somewhat mitigates this difference and brings the necessary moisture. Because Lot-et-Garonne is closer to the Mediterranean, warm air masses reach here in the autumn, favorable for grape ripening. In other words, due to its location, the region is at the crossroads of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences.
The soils here are quite diverse and vary depending on the area. South and west of the Garonne, sand predominates, north of the river, the terrain is hilly with calcareous soils, and the plateau between Lot and Garonne is a mosaic of different soils.
In short: IGP Agenais is a mosaic of different microclimates, which explains the diversity of wine styles.
Grape Varieties and Wines
IGP Agenais produces primarily red wines (67%), followed by rosés (22%) and whites (11%), totaling 4,105 hectolitres per year. Since the IGP has less stringent criteria than the AOC regarding production volume, grape varieties, and production techniques, in addition to the most well-known Bordeaux grapes (red Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, and white Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle), it also allows red Gamay (a Beaujolais grape), Abouriu, Alicante Bouschet, and white Colombard, Chardonnay, and Ugni Blanc (to name a few).
The wines may be barrel-aged or not, purely fruity, spicy, acidic, or soft. It’s impossible to describe the style in a single phrase, as it largely depends on the taste and desires of the winemaker, who isn’t constrained by the strict rules of the AOC.
Aroma: Soft, enveloping, and delicate, with expressive fruity notes of strawberry, fresh and baked red plum, ripe red cherry, and cherry jam. Oak aging reveals hints of smoke, toast, wood, cocoa, and coffee.
Taste: Equally fruity (strawberry, cherry, plum, and a hint of jam) with pronounced notes of dark chocolate, cocoa, coffee, and black pepper. Fine-grained, velvety tannins, pleasant acidity, and a fairly long finish with a hint of prune and pepper.
Overall Impression and Quality Rating: A very pleasant wine with a surprisingly good price/quality ratio.
