Wine from Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne

Vin de Pays laws are much more flexible than AOC laws, which has enabled many winemakers in those areas to experiment with grapes and aging techniques not allowed in more controlled zones. Whereas the Vin de Pays tag was once held in disdain by some, it now means freedom to many winemakers.

Côtes de Gascogne once meant tannic, one-dimensional wines that was mainly employed to wash down the rich local cuisine. Not so anymore. Probably influenced by their new world competitors, they've upped the anti offering single varietals with a much more modern approach to winemaking.