Producteurs Plaimont
Who Are Producteurs Plaimont?
The Producteurs Plaimont is a co-operative in the village of Saint-Mont in the Adour Valley of southwest France. Vineyards in the region date back to the Romans, through to the Middle Ages when monks were making wines for pilgrims on the route of Santiago de Compostela.
In modern times the wine-producing heritage of this area has been reinvigorated under the leadership of the visionary (and beret- wearing!) Andre Dubosc. Plaimont was founded in 1979 when he brought together a group of like-minded winegrowers, with a quality-focused approach. Plaimont is now rated in the Top 10 Wineries in France.
Innovation together with respect for tradition has seen the cooperative, invest in modern winemaking techniques, lead a revival of ancient regional varieties, assist growers to improve viticultural practices, And embrace sustainable and chemical free systems. Improved grape quality has yielded vivacious wines showcasing the delicious flavours of grapes grown in the region.
Original wines. Wines of character. Wines to match with slow food.
The Grape Varieties of Producteurs Plaimont
The Plaimont vineyards, situated half way between the Atlantic Ocean in the West and the Pyrenees in the south benefit from cold nights and hot days. The conditions allow for slow ripening and favor the natural acidity of the local, indigenous varieties:
White: Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, Courbu, Aurrifiac, Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng,
Courbu is an aromatic, pale coloured grape. It perfumes a wine with delicate floral aromas combined with smells of well-ripened fruit.
Arrufiac has light fresh aromas and possesses a soft palate with and finesse.
Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng are both pale yellow with a light nose. In the mouth, they give the wines structure, providing body, acid and a framework.
Red; Tannat, Pinenc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Tannat has a deep purple red colour. It produces aromas of dark fruit and provides blends with backbone and structure.
Highly aromatic, Pinenc also provides backbone, suppleness and structure.
The Terroir and Winemaking of the Appellations of Producteurs Plaimont
Saint Mont Appellation, 1200ha: Benedictine Monks founded The Saint Mont monastery in 1050. The terroir of Saint Mont is pebbly, gravel soil in a series of hillsides and terraces. It produces wines with richness and full body.Saint Mont produces both red and white wines. Only manual harvesting is allowed
Madiran Appellation, 500ha: Granted AOC status in 1949 Madiran produces only red wines. The traditional strong tannins associated with Madiran wine making techniques such as microbullage have softened the tannins, making them easily accessible, without losing the richness and flavour of the wines.
Pacherenc de Vic Bilh, 200ha: Within the same geographic area as Madiran, this appellation produces white wines. The influence of the Atlantic breeze lengthens the ripening period for the Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng grapes to produce great sweet wines. Plaimont harvest over 5 selections from the end of October to New Year’s Eve.