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South West France: Odd Bottles

Despite this being one of France's oldest wine regions, it's one I have sometimes neglected. This is, however, no longer the case; I'm particularly fond of some of the sweet and dry Jurançons; my producer profiles, linked at the foot of the page, give more detail. Click to locate stockists:

Domaine Léonce Cuisset Saussignac 2002: A very pale, lemon-gold hue. Sweet tropical fruit with pineapple and melon, with a creamy oak-influenced nose. A huge, creamy-oily presence on the palate, with sweetness in spades, and tangerine and tinned fruit flavour. Low acidity emphasises the expansive richness, although it still has a pleasing, crystal dew-drop cleanliness to it. A little length, but over all lacks great interest. Drink now. 15/20 (30/9/05)

Clos Guirouilh Jurançon Moelleux 1999: A pale golden yellow wine, less intense than the most recent vintage of this which I have tried, which was the 1994! Vanilla, white fruits and pineapple on the nose. It achieves a good balance on the palate, with a rich, sweet texture tempered by appropriate acidity. Fresh, lemony fruit with a tropical edge. Excellent value for money. Good. (5/2/03) Label

Clos Guirouilh Jurançon Moelleux 1994: A clear, pale golden colour tells nothing of the pleasure this wine has to offer. Pineapple nose, with a gentle, background streak of honey. A wonderfully balanced palate, cleanly textured, with bright, sparkling acidity. There is just a touch of honey to the pineapple and tropical fruit richness. A very nicely packaged wine, which provides a lengthy finish. Very good. (31/7/01)

Clos Guirouilh Jurançon Moelleux 1989: Obviously not Bordeaux, as Jurançon is in the south-west of France, but not really a ringer either. A touch of madeirisation on the nose. Pleasant texture and sweetness on entry but dries out from the midpalate onwards. Probably past its best. Fair. (16/10/03)

Les Producteurs Reunis 'Les Trois Cailloux' Merlot Vieilles Vignes (VdP des Cotes de Dordogne) 2000: Lovely deep colour. Lots of blackcurrant fruit on the nose, and the same on the palate. Soft tannins and soft acidity. Simple, but quite drinkable. Quite good. (22/7/03)

Domaine des Puts (VdP des Côtes de Gascogne) 1999: Tasted twice over the past month, with consistent notes. A pale yellow colour, with a fruity, zesty nose very suggestive of Sauvignon Blanc with a hint of something, such as Muscadelle or Semillon. Fruit laden palate, with good bright acidity. Pleasant quaffing stuff. (7/2/01)

South West France: Odd Bottles

The South-West