Côtes de Saint-Mont Wine Region

Saint-Mont appellation was granted AOP status in 2011 and covered the uphill area of the Adour valley. The wine region produced wines under Cotes de Saint-Mont VDQS since 1981 and was later changed the name to Saint-Mont in 2007. The region is stretched from the Madiran to the north till the Cotes de Gascony. The wines from the region peaked during the Roman era which was promoted by the monasteries. The Sarragachies vine, also known as Vineyard at Ferme Pédebernade, houses the oldest known grape varieties in France. This amazing vineyard also has Tannat, Morrastel, Fer Servadou, Miousap, Camaraou noir as well as seven other completely unknown species. The vineyard is designated as a monument since 2012.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Saint-Mont!

Where is the Saint-Mont wine region?

Saint-Mont is located in the hills above the Adour river valley overlooking the commune of Saint Mont, in the Gers department of the Southwest France wine region. The wine-growing area lies approximately halfway between the Atlantic coast and the Pyrenees range. The region is bounded by Tursan AOC from the west and overlaps the much larger Armagnac appellation. There are several picturesque hamlets and villages revealing the rich history and culture. The vineyards are spread across 1200 hectares. Saint Mont is just 67km northwest of the city of Pau. The region encompasses 46 communes in the west of the Gers department.

History of the Saint-Mont wine region

The name Saint-Mont was termed in 2007 before the region was known as Cotes de Saint-Mont. The wine from Saint Mont has a long history dating back to ancient roman times. Winemaking was developed by the Romans and peaked during the middle ages with several monasteries and abbey promoting the wines from Saint Mont. The region received AOP status only in 2011 which was an upgrade from the VDQS status. The region boasts a special vineyard that houses the oldest grape variety in France. 

The terroir and geography of the Saint-Mont wine region

The Saint Mont vineyard is situated in the hilly landscapes of the Gers department's western side, on the first slopes of the north Pyrenean piedmont. Its terroir has distinct characteristics that distinguish it as unique and authentic: tawny sands, variegated clays, and Maucor pebbles. The Saint-Mont wine region is a one-of-a-kind wine-growing district in the Pyrenees range, home to authentic grape varieties, ancestral plots, and traditional cultivation. Vineyards get intense sunlight across the hillside of the region. The region is blessed with a maritime climate with steady temperatures across the region. The soil is mostly sandy and clayey with good drainage.

Popular grape varieties from the Saint-Mont wine region

Tannat, Pinenc, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown in the Saint-Mont wine area for red and rose wines, while Gros Manseng, Arrufiacand, and Petit Courbu are grown for white wines. Cabernet Franc accounts for approximately 33% of total grape production. 

Food to pair with Saint-Mont wine 

Barbecued Beef

Barbecued beef is a popular dish in many countries. Barbecued beef is a dish that is made from beef that has been soaked in a marinade, then grilled and served. The dish can be accompanied by a variety of side dishes such as onion rings, potato salad, corn on the cob, and barbecue sauce. Barbecued beef is a popular food in the United States. Barbecued beef is not just tasty, but it can also be healthy as it contains many essential nutrients like protein, zinc, and iron. It also contains less fat than other types of meat. The best way to cook barbecued beef is on a barbecue grill. 

Aligot de Laguiole

Aligot is a dish made from potatoes, cheese, and butter. The word Aligot comes from the Occitan word “alhogo” which means melted cheese. Laguiole is a village in the south of France where this dish originated.

The French Melted Tomme Cheese is a type of Aligot that originated in Laguiole, France. It is made with Tomme de Laguiole cheese and potatoes. The French Melted Tomme Cheese was invented by accident when an Aligot maker added too much butter to his recipe and it turned out to be delicious!

The main ingredients for this dish are potatoes, butter, and Tomme de Laguiole cheese. To make the dish you boil the potatoes until they are tender then you add some butter and grated Tomme de Laguiole Cheese to them and mix them together until they are creamy like mashed potato.

Beef Roast

Beef roasts are typically cooked by slow roasting in an oven, but they can also be cooked on top of the stove or on a grill. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and desired doneness, but generally, it requires about 2-3 hours for medium rare. This recipe is perfect for a dinner party. It's easy to make, there are only a few ingredients, and it tastes delicious!

Places to visit in the Saint-Mont wine region

The Gabriel tower

Gabriel du Puy ordered the construction of this magnificent tower in the 16th century. The tower was constructed to withstand attacks from Saint Mont's western side. The tower was designed to resist cannon fire and heavy weaponry. The structure is well-built, with solid walls and a cannon launcher on three stories, as well as apertures that stretch outward in all directions. The tower was transformed into a windmill in the 17th century, and near the end of the 19th century, it was outfitted with a semaphore.

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is a Benedictine abbey that stands as a monument of medieval and military architecture. This was a prominent pilgrimage place for Christians from the Middle Ages until the 18th Century. Since 1862, the abbey has been designated as a historic monument, and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The abbey receives over 1.335 million visitors per year and is one of France's most visited cultural sites.

Frequently asked questions about Saint-Mont