Madiran is an important red wine region of the South West, but the area also produces sweet and dry white wine and sparkling wine. The vines are planted around the village of Madiran in Gascony (South of the Armagnac region). The wines here are dominated by the Tannat grape - concentrated black fruit flavours and big tannins are hallmarks of Madiran (it is sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc). It's this level of tannin and antioxidants that has brought Madiran into the vinous spotlight in the last few years with the associated health benefits.
Only a very small amount of white wine is produced - Pacherenc du Vic Bilh. Both dry and sweet, they are made from a mixture of local and other varieties: the local Ruffiat and Petit Courbu, Gros Manseng from Jurancon and Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux.
