South West of France wine

Natural Wine from the South West: A Living and Committed Terroir

The South West is one of the most dynamic strongholds of natural wine in France. From Ariège to the Basque Country, winemakers here champion environmentally friendly agricultural practices, often through organic or biodynamic farming. Names like Imanol Garay or the domaine Lajibe, located in Jurançon, represent this new generation that places the connection between terroir, climate, and unadulterated winemaking at the center. Here, they cultivate typical grape varieties – Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, Courbu, Tannat – with precision and freedom. The result: wines that are deep, sincere, and among the most sought-after in the world of natural wine.

Red Wine from the South West

Forget thick and rustic reds. The natural red wines from the South West have found a perfect balance between structure and freshness. Tannat, Duras, Fer Servadou, or Manseng noir: these indigenous grape varieties produce honest, digestible juices, never standardized. Thanks to natural winemaking (often without filtration or added sulfur), these red wines pair perfectly with the dishes of the South West: duck confit, grilled meats, dishes with sweet pepper, or stuffed vegetables. Powerful yet lively wines, made for the table, not for display.

White Wine from the South West

The dry white wines from the South West are on the rise. Produced under IGP or AOC labels such as Jurançon Sec, they are mostly made from Petit and Gros Manseng, Courbu, or sometimes Ugni blanc. In their natural form, these whites are straightforward, unadorned, perfect for pairing with seafood, Béarn cheeses, or plant-based dishes. The work of domaine Lajibe is a remarkable example: its uncompromising cuvées have become references for those seeking authentic natural white wines.

Which Natural Wine to Pair with South West Dishes and Cheeses?

The South West is full of delicious specialties that are generously complemented by the region’s natural wines, which pair perfectly without overpowering the flavors. With a Pyrénées sheep’s cheese, such as Ossau-Iraty, nothing beats a natural white wine from the South West based on Gros Manseng or Courbu, balancing the richness with tension. Diots béarnais with white wine, axoa de veau, or a good grilled magret of duck are beautifully matched with natural reds made from Tannat, Duras, or Manseng noir. And for a winter table, garbure or poule au pot pair perfectly with a dry and lively white from domaine Lajibe or a smooth red from Imanol Garay. Bold pairings, but always honest and lively, just like the wines themselves.

IGP Wines from the South West

The South West vineyards stretch over 13 departments, from Aveyron to the slopes of the Basque Country, and feature an incredible mosaic of terroirs, grape varieties, and craftsmanship. In addition to the 29 AOP wines, there are 13 IGP wines from the South West, which provide more freedom for winemakers, especially those who focus on natural winemaking. It’s often in these less strict appellations that the most daring wines are found: indigenous yeasts, zero additives, forgotten grape varieties, winemaking without sulfites, no filtration, and a great deal of freedom in the blends. Here, you will find wines that express profiles that are bold, unique, and vibrant. IGP wines from the South West embody a different vision of wine: rooted, artisanal, but free from rigid rules. And often, they are gems at very accessible prices.