Published the 10/21/2024 in Exploring the Region
Hello everyone! My name is Cyrielle. Born and raised in Bordeaux, I am in love with my region and passionate about the world of wine. I grew up surrounded by vineyards lining the country roads of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Although I’ve been immersed in the world of wine since childhood, I never tire of discovering new terroirs, meeting passionate winemakers, and tasting hidden gems. So today, I want to take you on a slightly different journey. Let’s set aside the famous names like Saint-Émilion or Médoc for a moment (even though I adore them too) and explore some more confidential vineyards. Hidden treasures that are truly worth the detour!
You'll see, each place has its own story, its identity, and often offers unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. So, whether you're a wine lover, curious to learn more, or simply seeking new adventures, I invite you to follow in my footsteps through these secret vineyards.
Ready to discover Nouvelle-Aquitaine in a different way? Follow the guide!
.png)
Let’s start our getaway with a little paradise often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Médoc. Welcome to the Côtes de Blaye, nestled on the right bank of the Gironde. It’s a place I adore, with its rolling landscapes and breathtaking views of the estuary. What makes this place so special? Its authentic charm, away from the crowds, and its small family estates where you’re welcomed like a friend.
One of my favorites is Vignobles Raguenot, a family business founded in 1967 by Lise and Philippe Raguenot. Today, the estate is managed by their two daughters, Emmanuelle and Marie-Pierre, who continue the family passion with the help of their husbands. Vignobles Raguenot includes several iconic properties: Château des Tourtes in Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux and Château Haut Beyzac in the Haut-Médoc appellation.
I particularly appreciate the diversity of wines produced here, from fresh and aromatic whites to deep and elegant reds. Château des Tourtes, with its 70 hectares, is a true gem of the appellation, where respect for the terroir and meticulous winemaking result in exceptional wines. After touring the cellars, take the time to savor the L’Attribut des Tourtes cuvée, a refined wine made from a parcel selection that expresses the richness of this unique terroir.
.png)
Next, head southeast to Périgord Pourpre. Are you familiar with the wines of Bergerac and Monbazillac? Personally, I think these appellations are unfairly overlooked. Yet the full-bodied reds from Bergerac and the sweet wines from Monbazillac rival the great Bordeaux wines. The key? Grapes like Merlot, Malbec, and Sémillon, grown on clayey, sun-drenched soils, giving them intense and refined characters.
Among my favorite estates is Domaine du Haut Pécharmant. Imagine a vineyard perched on a hill, surrounded by woods and vines. The atmosphere here is a bit wild, much like the wines. The philosophy is “respect for the terroir,” with organic farming methods and careful winemaking. The wines are powerful, with notes of ripe red fruits and spices. I recommend visiting at the end of the day to enjoy the sunset over the vines, glass in hand.
During my visit, I was lucky enough to attend a guided tasting surrounded by barrels and carefully aligned bottles. The atmosphere was convivial, filled with passionate explanations from the winemaker about each wine we tasted. Each sip revealed the richness of the terroir, and the setting, with its aromas of wood and wine, added a unique dimension to the experience.
To conclude the visit, we tasted a decades-old Monbazillac, with enchanting aromas of candied fruits and honey. Trust me, such a discovery is worth more than any grand cru classé in the world!
Now let’s head south, to the foothills of the Pyrénées, to discover the Jurançon appellation. Here, the Petit and Gros Manseng grapes are grown, producing wines of great finesse. The first time I tasted a sweet Jurançon, I was blown away by its aromas of exotic fruits, honey, and flowers.
One of the estates I particularly love is Domaine Cauhapé, expertly managed by Henri Ramonteu. It’s a unique place, where each vintage is the result of meticulous work, blending tradition and innovation. During my visit, I had the opportunity to enjoy a sunset tasting in the vineyards, accompanied by a platter of local cheeses like Ossau-Iraty. This moment of pure tranquility, with the sun setting behind the mountains and the aromas of Petit Manseng in my glass, is forever etched in my memory.
To extend your experience in this region, I recommend discovering the Bulle Verte experience at the Commanderie de Lacommande. Guided by a web app, you can cycle or walk through various vineyards, following a personalized itinerary. Each stop is an opportunity to soak in the surrounding landscape. At the end of the tour, you’ll be invited to taste local products at the Maison des Vins du Jurançon. A moment of peace and nature to savor fully!
.png)
Our journey continues towards Tursan, a small vineyard in southern Landes that remains largely unknown. To me, Tursan is like the region's best-kept secret. Situated between the Adour River and the Chalosse hills, this terroir is dominated by rare grape varieties such as Baroque (which, I assure you, has nothing to do with classical music!) and Manseng Noir. My favorite estate in the area is Domaine de Laballe. This historic domain, founded in 1820, has weathered the years while maintaining its authenticity.
uring my last visit, I had the chance to meet Cyril Laudet, the current owner, who introduced me to his wines while sharing stories about his family's history. After a tour of the cellars, I enjoyed a personalized tasting that paired the estate's wines with their exceptional Armagnacs. Every sip was an exploration of Tursan's diverse terroirs and the unique character of the eaux-de-vie produced here. A true sensory journey showcasing the craftsmanship of this family-run estate.
.png)
Finally, I cannot finish this journey without talking about the Côtes de Gascogne, a vineyard in the South West where the art of living is in full bloom. Known for its fruity, refreshing white wines, this region also produces exceptional Armagnacs. One of my must-stop places is Château de Millet, where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously.
During my visit, I had the privilege of joining a guided tour of the cellar, where I learned the secrets of producing both wine and Armagnac. Walking through the barrels and vats, I was immersed in the heart of the aging process, with fascinating insights into the specifics of each vintage. We then continued with a guided tasting, pairing wines from the estate with different Armagnacs.
.png)
For our final stop, I’m taking you to the Lot Valley, to Domaine Le Passelys, a little gem near Cahors. This family-run estate, located on the Douelle terraces, embodies the spirit of the appellation with its bold and deep wines, primarily made from the Malbec grape.
The estate, managed by the Bley family, has been cultivating vines for generations while embracing environmentally friendly practices. Each cuvée is carefully crafted to highlight the unique characteristics of the local terroir.
I had the pleasure of participating in one of their guided tours, where we explored the vineyards, plots, and winemaking techniques. The owners’ passion was evident as they shared the history of each plot, the work done in the vineyards, and the art of blending. The tour concluded with a guided tasting of their various cuvées in the tasting room—a convivial moment where we took the time to savor each wine and discuss the aromas and techniques involved.
If you enjoy more unconventional wines, Le Passelys also offers special cuvées like their "Colibri" range, made from resistant and innovative grape varieties, offering a wonderful alternative to Cahors' classic wines. For me, it’s the perfect balance of tradition and modernity!
.png)
I hope this little tour through my favorite vineyards has inspired you to explore Nouvelle-Aquitaine in a new way. As you can see, it’s not just about Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion—every corner of the region hides unsuspected treasures, from small châteaux to Armagnac distilleries and confidential vineyards.
If you’re tempted to discover these estates for yourself and experience these unique moments, feel free to contact me! As a true lover of the region, I would be delighted to help you customize a tailor-made trip, blending tastings, intimate tours, and moments of sharing with passionate winemakers. After all, the best wine is the one enjoyed in the right place, at the right time, and most importantly, with great company!
