The vineyards of Béarn, a treasure to be savored

Béarn is a wine-growing region renowned for its red, dry white, sweet, and rosé wines. It's impossible to go wrong: the vineyards are an integral part of the Béarn landscape, which changes color with the seasons. Thanks to its oceanic climate and mountain influences, Béarn is a region where vines flourish, offering quality wines to discover all along the wine route. Between the Gave de Pau and the Gave d'Oloron, pass through Orthez and Vic-en-Bigorre to discover the wine specialties of winemakers delighted to welcome you in all seasons. Discover the production of a drink with delicate aromas through 3 Béarn vineyards.

The AOC Béarn appellations

Present in the Vic-Bilh region, the appellation offers red and rosé wines made from local grape varieties such as:

• Tannat
• Cabernet Franc
• Cabernet Sauvignon

The range is completed by some less renowned dry white wines. The aromas are subtle with a background of character thanks to the clay-limestone soils that were already cultivated in Roman times, since wine production dates back to antiquity. Other appellations come from the AOC Béarn, such as the AOC Béarn Bellocq which reveals powerful, full-bodied and fruity red wines.

The vineyards of Jurançon

Jurançon is a white wine with a controlled designation of origin (AOC) produced in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Planted on the steep slopes facing the Pyrenees, the Jurançon vines have marked the history of France. Indeed, this wine from these Béarnese lands has graced the tables of illustrious figures, including Henry IV. Discover a wine known as "liquid gold" through some 60 estates and 1,300 hectares on the Jurançon route, made from the Petit and Grand Maseng grape varieties.

The sweet Jurançon will charm you with its beautiful golden color and fruity aromas. Your palate will be surprised by the almost perfect balance between acidity and sugar, which brings a certain lightness to the palate when tasting. Amber in color with golden hues, it is ideal with foie gras and desserts and pairs wonderfully with your sweet and savory dishes.

Dry Jurançon, on the other hand, has a pale yellow color that will surprise your palate with its powerful and fresh aromas. It will perfectly accompany your appetizers, fish, and certain game dishes, adding a few fruity notes to your dishes. Produced in a more traditional manner, it can develop into a complex wine with good ageing potential, with typical aromas of exotic fruits.

Jurançon Vendanges Tardives is a white wine with a high sugar and aromatic concentration, where the grapes, harvested between November and December, have seen all their water evaporate. This exceptional and characterful wine is part of the prestigious family of Great Sweet Wines of France, with hints of honey and candied fruit. Enjoy it chilled with a sweet treat or dessert to fully appreciate it.

The vineyards of Madiran and Pacherenc

Maridan red wines and Pacherenc white wines come from the same vast vineyard of 1,700 hectares, spread over 3 departments which are:

• The Gers
• The Hautes-Pyrénées
• The Atlantic Pyrenees

Tannat, the region's original grape variety, was introduced by Benedictine monks in the 11th century. Its reputation grew rapidly, making it a flagship product of Béarn, the emblem representing the wine-growing identity of this part of the region. Madiran and Pacherenc, these two wines benefit from the AOC designation and each have their own particularities.

Madiran is a red wine with equally fruity aromas (cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant) which expresses itself with strength and generosity once in the mouth. It goes well with all kinds of dishes, namely grilled red meats, local products, world cuisine as well as desserts. Served chilled, it goes perfectly with your aperitifs enhanced with some mignardises.

Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is a white wine made from unique grape varieties. Whether dry or sweet, it pairs perfectly with regional products such as Pyrenean cheeses, foie gras, and desserts. It brings a freshness to the palate, along with some spicy-fruity notes for a harmonious tasting experience.

The grape harvest in Béarn

Like many vineyards, the grape harvest in Béarn takes place in the fall, a time when the colors are warm and golden, offering a magnificent landscape between the hillsides and the Pyrenees. Most harvests are mechanical, but the particularity remains for the Jurançon, whose harvests remain manual. The grapes are closely monitored to be harvested at maturity for reds, whites and rosés, and overripe for sweet wines with what is called "late harvests". Each year the grape harvest is synonymous with celebrations and conviviality between winegrowers and locals who gather around concerts, country lunches and tasting workshops. The Viguerie Royale de Jurançon even organizes a manual harvest carried out in costume in accordance with traditions. Don't miss the event, it's only once a year.

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