Rare and traditional grape varieties of South West France

 
Colombard

A white grape originally from the Charentes region, Colombard is now widely grown in Gascony. It produces lively, fresh wines with bright acidity, offering aromas of citrus, green apple, white flowers, and sometimes exotic fruits. It is often used in blends or as a base for Armagnac and Côtes de Gascogne wines.

Profile: Light-bodied, crisp, aromatic
Best in: Dry whites, blends, and spirits (Armagnac)

Ugni Blanc (a.k.a. Trebbiano in Italy)

France’s most planted white grape in Cognac and Armagnac production. Ugni Blanc gives neutral, high-acid wines with subtle notes of citrus, green pear, and herbal touches. It’s often used in blends, where its acidity is a structural asset.

Profile: High acidity, light aroma, excellent for distillation
Best in: Spirits (Cognac, Armagnac), blending in dry whites

Petit Manseng

A premium white grape from the Jurançon region, known for producing intensely aromatic, rich wines — both dry and sweet. It features notes of pineapple, passion fruit, honey, and spice, balanced by naturally vibrant acidity. It’s one of the rare grapes capable of retaining freshness even at high ripeness.

Profile: Aromatic, textured, high acidity
Best in: Sweet and dry whites, age-worthy styles 

Gros Manseng

A close cousin to Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng is more productive and generally used for dry or semi-sweet whites. Its wines are less intense but still show good acidity with flavors of apricot, grapefruit, and white flowers.

Profile: Crisp, aromatic, versatile
Best in: Dry whites, blends, sometimes sweet wines

Négrette

A rare and native red grape from the Fronton region (near Toulouse), Négrette yields fragrant, medium-bodied wines with soft tannins and a distinctive floral character. Notes include violet, blackcurrant, licorice, and pepper. It is delicate and best enjoyed young.

Profile: Floral, supple, slightly spicy
Best in: Mono-varietal or blended reds in Southwest France

Tannat

Tannat is the flagship red grape of Madiran, known for its robust tannins, dark color, and long aging potential. It produces full-bodied, powerful wines with flavors of black fruits, tobacco, spice, and sometimes needs time but modern techniques et new methods can make it more approachable young. It can be blended also (e.g. with Cabernet Franc) to soften. Increasingly popular in Uruguay as well.

Profile: Intense, structured, long-aging
Best in: Bold reds, often with food (e.g. grilled meats)

Carignan

A traditional Mediterranean red grape known for deep color, firm tannins, and rustic charm. Found mainly in Languedoc-Roussillon, it produces wines with red fruit, garrigue, and earthy spice notes. Old vines yield more elegant, concentrated wines with aging potential.

Profile: Rustic to refined (old vines), spicy, lively acidity
Best in: Southern red blends or old-vine single varietals 

Folle Blanche

Also known as "Picpoule" in some regions, Folle Blanche is a high-acid white grape traditionally used in the production of Armagnac and Cognac. It produces light, crisp wines with delicate aromas of citrus, white flowers, green apple, and sometimes a slightly saline edge. Rarely used on its own for still wines today, but valued for its freshness and finesse in distillation.

Profile: Light-bodied, fresh, high acidity
Best in: Brandy base (Armagnac/Cognac), dry wines in cooler climate.