Brulhois Wine Region Guide

The Brulhois wine region is known as the "Land of Black Wines" because it produces dark-colored red wines. The region also produces rose wines accounting for one-third of the total production in the region. The region is located in central southwest France, along the banks of the Garonne River, which runs from Toulouse to the Atlantic Ocean via Bordeaux. The Brulhois wine region is home to the Abouriou, a rare indigenous red grape that was eradicated from many other areas during the phylloxera infestation. There are several wineries, but the most notable wine production is handled by the Vignerons du Brulhois, a regional wine cooperative.

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Where is the Brulhois wine region?

Brulhois wine region is located around the Garonne river, southeast of Bordeaux and south of the town of Agen. The region is part of a much bigger Southwest France wine region and has been producing its unique dark-colored red wines and rose wines. The region lies north of Armagnac, cotes de Gascogne, east of Buzet, south of Cahors, and west of Coteaux du Quercy. The region is actually divided by the Garonne river with a much larger part to the south and a small enclave on the north on the lower Quercy limestone plateau. The region stretches for approximately 40km east to west between Nerac and Lavit. 

History of the Brulhois wine region

The Brulhois region's first mention of wine production dates back to the 11th century. Since the early 13th century, wine from Brulhois has been referred to as Black wines or Vins noirs. The wines of the Brulhois made their way to England as early as the 14th century when an Englishman exported them through the ports of Garonne and Bordeaux. The wine industry was the region's primary agronomic income by the 18th century, but it was decimated by the Phylloxera infestation, World War II, economic slumps, and the 1956 frost. The region began to recover, and in the 1980s, it was granted VDQS status, which was later upgraded to the prestigious AOC status in 2011.

The terroir and geography of the Brulhois wine region

The Brulhois wine region's topography is made up of forested hills and farmland, with several rivers and rivulets running through it. Because of their terrain, Brulhois refers to wooden slopes. The Brulhois wine region has a maritime climate similar to Bordeaux, albeit a little drier. The eastern side of the region has a continental feel because it is equidistant from the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans. The region receives a lot of rain, which is mainly concentrated in the spring due to the southerly dry winds. The soil in this area is primarily gravel, sand, stone, and clayey.

Popular grape varieties from the Brulhois wine region

Tannat, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc are the three core grape varieties planted in the Brulhois wine region with strict regulation to have at least 15% up to 100% in vineyards. The region also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Fer Servadou accounting for 10% of total grape production. The Brulhois wine region is home to the rare and unique grape, the Abouriou, which was wiped out of all other places during the phylloxera infestation. 

Food to pair with Brulhois wine 

Pork chops

Pork chop is a traditional American dish that can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared. The meat is particularly tender when cut from the rib or vertebra, which is a T-shaped bone. The meat is leaner than in other cuts. The pork chop is the most popular dish in the United States and the world's most popular meat. The cooking process varies greatly due to cultural and regional differences. The meat is marinated overnight before being pan-seared, roasted, or grilled. This incredible dish pairs well with tannic wines, particularly those from the Brulhois wine region.

Lamb chop

Lamb chop is a popular dish that is enjoyed all over the world. There are basically two most popular types of cuts used to prepare this savory dish which are loin and rib chops which are at least one inch thick. The meat is marinated a day before cooking with basic seasoning. The meat is pan-seared on both sides until browned and then left for baking for a couple of hours. The final result is tender and juicy meat which can be enjoyed as is or added some sauce on top. The lamb chops are usually served cut into pieces along with mashed potatoes on the side. The game flavor this chop provides goes really well with the red wines from Brulhois. 

Tagliatelle al ragù alla Bolognese

Tagliatelle bolognese pasta is one of the traditional Italian dishes from Bologna which uses special tagliatelle pasta, ragu from beef or pork, and tomatoes. Even though the name sounds similar to spaghetti bolognese, the resemblance is minimal. The dish gets its flavor from celery, onions, carrots, cream, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Traditional  Tagliatelle al ragù alla Bolognese does not contain any herbs or spices although there use of garlic and bay leaves. Pair this amazing pasta with Bruilhois wines. 

Places to visit in the Brulhois wine region

Agen Cathedral

Agen Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Caprasius that dates back to the 12th century. The cathedral is situated in Agen, Lot-et-Garonne, France. The church was built as a collegiate church on the foundation of a basilica that was destroyed during the 9th century by the Normals. This historic church experienced many ups and downs, including religious wars, a country-wide coup, and the French Revolution. The church was rebuilt in 1801 and elevated to the status of a cathedral. Following that, the cathedral was used as a bishop's seat. The cathedral is a national monument as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chapel from Notre-Dame-du-Bourg

The chapel from Notre-Dame-du-Bourg is a medieval Romanesque cathedral that dates back to the late 12th century during the progression of Christianity. The cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in Provence which was first documented in 1180. During the 10th century, the depopulation of the Bourg town began to move onto the Bellegarde plateau which left the church isolated and degraded. The use of this church gradually decreased and was only used for funerals until the 20th century. The church was listed as a historic monument in 1840 by the ministry of culture. 

Frequently asked questions about Brulhois