Tursan Wine

Tursan is a VDQS classification for red, rose and white wines produced in a specific area divided between the Landes and Gers departements of South West France. Its name comes from an historic area of the region which survives in the names of two local parishes - Castelnau-Tursan and Vielle Tursan. The wines are quite similar in style to those made in Madiran, just a short distance to the east.

The red wines made under the title VDQS Tursan are made mainly from the Tannat and Cabernet Franc grapes, which must each make up at least 30% of the final wine blend. Cabernet Sauvignon and Fer are being introduced to the area to add diversity to the wines, and from 2010 will be required together to make up a minimum of 10% of the final wine. Because of the grapes used, these wines are reasonably tannic (from the Tannat), and perfumed (because of the Cabernet Franc). They represent the majority of the area's wines, with the white wines making up only about 20% of the total production.

VDQS roses are also made from a base of Tannat and Cabernet Franc, but in this case Tannat may make up only 10% to 30% of the blend, while Cabernet Franc must represent over 50%. Cabernet Sauvignon and Fer are permitted in the blend, to a maximum of 40%. As with the red wines, the roses are highly perfumed and intensely colored.

VDQS Tursan white wines must be made up of between 30% and 80% of the local white variety Baroque, complemented by 50% Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng combined. Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are permitted to make up 30% and 20% of the blend respectively. These wines are crisp and dry, with a fruity floral nose.