Côtes du Marmandais Wine Region

The Cotes du Marmandais wine area in Southwest France is well-known for its Bordeaux blend red wines. The region is also known as the Bordeaux wine region's satellite. The 1320 hectares of vineyards that surround Marmande are separated into north and south portions by the Garonne river. Cotes du Marmandais was designated as an AOC in 1990. The region also produces excellent white and rose wines but in smaller quantities. Cotes du Marmandais red wines are medium to full-bodied, with powerful scents of black currant plumbs and earthiness. The scenery of the region is something you should not pass up in your lifetime.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Cotes du Marmandais!

Where is the Cotes du Marmandais wine region?

Cotes du Marmandais wine region is a part of Southwest France centered around the town of Marmandais. The region is just southeast of the Bordeaux wine region sharing its border with Entre-Deux-Mers. The region is exactly south of the Bergerac wine region and north of the Buzet wine region. The Garonne river divides the region into two parts, north and south sections, which flow towards the Bordeaux region. This amazing wine region is just 90km southeast of Bordeaux city, 65km southeast of Libourne, and 140km northwest of Montauban. You can reach the region via train, or car from major cities across France. 

History of the Cotes du Marmandais wine region

Marmande was a fortified town founded in the 13th century. Prior to that, the territory was an ancient town under Richard Coeur de Lion. The Garonne River's banks were a major reason why the settlement was regarded favorably at the time. The town was under the control of the Counts of Toulouse and was subjected to multiple sieges. Amaury de Montfort later seized the town in 1219 and attached it to the French crown. The region's wine production extends back to ancient times and has been sold to the Netherlands. The region was plagued by Phylloxera, which destroyed most of the grapes and forced farmers to produce other agricultural goods. During the late twentieth century, the region's wine industry rebounded.

The terroir and geography of the Cotes du Marmandais wine region

The Cotes du Marmandais wine region is divided into northern and southern regions by the Garonne river. The soil in the northern section is chalky and clayey, comparable to that of Entre Deux Mers, and it reacts well to Merlot. The climate in the region is continental, as opposed to the rest of Bordeaux. Because the location is only 100 kilometers from the coast, it is also influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Summers are hot, while winters are cold. Cotes du Marmandais has plenty of sunshine all year, with an average rainfall of roughly 840mm. Passionate winemakers can extract the finest from these terroirs to produce high-quality wines.

Popular grape varieties from the Cotes du Marmandais wine region

The principal grape varietals planted in the Cotes du Mamandais wine region for red wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc for white wines. Other grape varieties planted in the region include Semillon, Muscadelle, Malbec, Syrah, Gamay, Ugni Blanc, Abouriou, Fer, and Malbec. The region is known for its red wines, but white wine production is increasing as well. The flowery aromas in the region's red wines are complemented by the flavors of plum, jam, and berries. Because of the maturing, these wines feature oaky, tobacco, vanilla, and chocolate flavors. Sauvignon Blanc dominates the Cotes de Marmandais white wines, which are characterized by their freshness and crispiness, as well as notes of lime, apples, passion fruit, and peach.

Food to pair with Cotes du Marmandais wine

Bœuf bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a slow-cooked beef stew made with Burgundy wines that is popular in French cuisine. The dish includes ingredients such as beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour. The meat is cooked in butter or oil before being mixed with the remaining ingredients. Boeuf bourguignon is typically served with mashed potatoes or noodles.

The meal is not typical of Burgundy cuisine; instead, the use of wine explains the name. The dish was first recorded in 1867 and was commonly made with leftover meat. The dish was recognized as a Burgundian specialty at the turn of the twentieth century.

Because of the lengthy cooking time, the flavors are complex, nuanced, and hearty. This dish is wonderfully complemented by the strong Cotes du Marmandais wines.

Roasted Lamb

Lamb is a versatile meat that may be eaten all year long as a special treat. Many flavors complement to lamb, so try experimenting with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to improve the flavor of your pick.

Red wines from the Cotes du Marmandais go well with roasted lamb meals such as rack of lamb, leg of lamb, or lamb cutlets.

Yakiniku

The Japanese word for "bite-sized grilled beef" is yakiniku. This cuisine is closely linked to western BBQ, and it was promoted in 1872 by Japanese writer Kanagaki Robun in his Seiyo Ryoritsu - a Meiji period western cooking guidebook. The word became associated with Korean barbecue during the early Shwa dynasty.

Before grilling, meat and veggies are finely sliced. The most prevalent meats for Yakiniku include beef, hog, chicken, and a variety of shellfish. A variety of sauces and dips are generally served on the side, ranging from soy sauce and miso sauce to garlic oil sauce. The deep and intense red wines from Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux pair nicely with this traditional Japanese cuisine.

Places to visit in the Cotes du Marmandais wine region

Lac De Beaupuy

Just 5km away from the town center of Marmande, the serene Lac de Beaupuy is a natural water reserve spread across 5 hectares. The lake offers various recreational activities for families, adventure lovers, and kids. There are several walking trails around the lake with many picnic tables, toilets, water points, and parking along the route. The activities around and in the lake include canoeing, water skiing, rowing, kayaking, water jet, fishing, mountain biking, and jogging. For the kids, there are swings, slides, and various games to enjoy the day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit any time of the year. 

Église Notre-Dame de Marmande

This medieval church may be found in the center of the town of Marmande, Lot-et-Garonne. This wonderful catholic church, dedicated to the Lady of Marmandais, is supposed to have been built in the 13th century in the town's oldest quarter. Several reconstructions have occurred over the ages, but the aesthetic has been carefully conserved. A Baroque altarpiece, an entombment, and a 17th-century picture dedicated to Saint-Francois can be seen in the church. Since 1862, the church has been designated as a historical landmark. This old church is open throughout the year. The ambiance is quite beautiful, quiet, and tranquil, with a genuine sense of serenity. Visit this beautiful location to unwind your body and soul.

Frequently asked questions about Cotes du Marmandais