Madiran PDO

Madiran, a generous red wine from the South West

Intense, generous and very fruity, Madiran is one of the most famous AOC wines of the South-West. Produced on the borders of the Gers, Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques, north of Pau in the Occitanie region, this red wine of character perfectly expresses its terroir. Its appellation area merges with that of another AOC, in white this time: Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh. Between the mountains and the ocean, discover the Madiran AOC, a wine that no longer has to be ashamed of its proximity to the Bordeaux and other Jurançons.

General presentation of Madiran

Madiran is an AOC wine produced in the vineyards of the South-West and, more precisely, in the Pyrenean Piedmont. Its production area of approximately 1,300 hectares is located to the north-east of Pau; it includes 37 communes spread over three departments: the Gers, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and the Hautes-Pyrénées.

The vineyards occupy the hillsides of a loop of the Adour. They precede the mountains, about a hundred kilometres from the Atlantic. This situation provides the Madiran vineyards with special climatic conditions. One grape variety has adapted very well and is found almost exclusively in this wine region: Tannat. It is this grape variety that gives this red wine from the South-West its uniqueness.

Tannat represents nearly 80% of the vineyard. It must be present in the blends at a minimum level of 50%. It is complemented by other so-called accessory grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and, to a lesser extent and very locally, Fer Servadou. Tannat, as its name suggests, gives rise to tannic, full-bodied wines that need to age before being consumed. Madiran wines are aged in the cellar for at least a year before being marketed.

The Madiran range is divided into so-called "Tradition" vintages, with blended wines that are fruity and fresh. The top of the range is occupied by powerful and elegant wines where the tannat dominates.

Characteristics of Madiran

The wines of the Madiran appellation are best enjoyed after 2 or 3 years of ageing. The tannins in these wines for laying down become rounder with time and the aromas intensify.

In absolute terms, their colour is a very dark red, sometimes even black, which announces the power of the wine. In the first years, Madiran offers aromas of black fruits such as cherry, blackberry and blackcurrant. Notes of raspberry and juniper can also be found. As it ages, the aromatic palette of Madiran develops candied fruit, spices, toast, leather and liquorice. On the palate, Madiran AOC wines are full and dense, with silky tannins and a beautiful freshness.

These powerful, tannic and robust wines can easily be kept for more than 10 years, especially the vintages in which the tannat dominates.

How to taste a Madiran

A great red wine from the South-West, Madiran is the perfect accompaniment to local dishes: duck breast, confit meats, cassoulet, Bigorre black pork, ewe's milk cheese such as Ossau Iraty, etc. It is also a perfect accompaniment to game and all red meats, whether cooked in sauce or grilled.

A Madiran also goes well with the specialities of world cuisine: tandoori, curry, tajine, sweet and sour dishes...

When it comes to cheese, it goes well with goat's cheese, cow's cheese, sheep's cheese, as well as blue cheese such as Fourme d'Ambert or Bleu d'Auvergne. A glass of Madiran also accompanies desserts with an intense chocolate taste.

Finally, do not hesitate to serve a bottle of Madiran as an aperitif. This wine is perfect for tapas and charcuterie platters: prunes with bacon, marinated peppers, melon and Bayonne ham brochettes, chorizo, etc.

It is advisable to serve a Madiran at a temperature of about 16-17°C and to decant it one hour before tasting.