The South-West is a large territorial area of France, comprising the administrative regions of Aquitaine, Limousin and Midi-Pyrénées. However, as far as the French wine area is concerned, the South-West region is a little less clear-cut, as it excludes Bordeaux - a wine region so productive that it is de facto an area in its own right. The wines of the South West have a Long and eventful history. The local rivers play a key role, as they were the main trade routes to bring wines from traditional regions such as Cahors, Bergerac, Buzet and Gaillac to their markets.
The last Trading post before the wines left for the lucrative markets of Britain was the wine town and port of Bordeaux. Britain has been a historic trading partner for the region, which was nominally British for a period following the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry II of Britain. However, Bordeaux businessmen saw the wines in transit as competition for their own local products and took strong measures to ensure their financial security. The result is the French wine map we know today, with Bordeaux being promoted and the other wine regions of the South West struggling to gain recognition for the diversity and Character of their wines.
This history also explains why the Bordeaux Grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc are now three of the best-known grape varieties in the world, while traditional South West grapes such as Fer Servadou, Len de l'El and Tannat are relatively unknown.
Lauzet is a Béarnese grape variety, part of the AOC of Béarn and Jurançon. This variety almost disappeared at the end of the 1980s. At that time, it only occupied a small cultivated area of 1 hectare in all. With the genetic diversity and the multiple plantings that have been carried out, it was able to reach, in 1994, 4 ha. The bunches and berries of Lauzet are all small. As a Pyrenean variety, it has a median lobe. The plant has a fairly early budburst, which takes place one week after Chasselas. As for its maturity, it is of the third period. This variety is fertile and somewhat vigorous, and is slightly susceptible to grey rot. Lauzet produces a wine of average quality. When it is vinified dry, it has adequate acidity. It gives off aromas of fruit and spices. It is often blended with other Pyrenean white grape varieties.
white wines from the region of Pyrenées go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, shellfish or spicy food such as recipes of wild boar stew, spaghetti with clams or delicious thai chicken.
On the nose in the region of Pyrenées often reveals types of flavors of pineapple, citrus or apples and sometimes also flavors of lime, minerality or pear. In the mouth in the region of Pyrenées is a with a nice freshness.
