The Winery Les pentes de Barène of Tursan of South West

Discovering the wine region of Tursan

Tursan is one of the lesser-known AOCs of southwest France, located in the southeast corner of the Landes department. The name Tursan is mostly used for light, Fruity red and rosé wines, mainly from Cabernet Franc and Tannat, but a small proportion of Complex and Aromatic white wines are also produced here, mainly from Baroque and Gros Manseng. The Vineyards covered by the AOC lie on the western edge of a cluster of better known appellations: Armagnac, Madiran and Côtes de Gascogne IGP, among others. The River Adour forms the northern boundary, while the southern boundary of the AOC is formed by the departmental boundary of the Landes itself.

Unlike other areas of southern France, the vineyards of Tursan are fragmented: maize is much more important to the local economy, and the vines are found among the maize fields on the region's low, rolling hillsides. The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean - only 70 km away - contributes to the oceanic influence of the Tursan vineyards. Rainfall levels are relatively high, especially in the western parts of the region, and the vineyards are generally located on well-drained slopes to negate the worst effects. Winds from the east bring heat as well as drying influences, and summers can be hot, with Long, Warm autumns that allow the grapes to remain on the vine until they can be harvested at perfect maturity.