Madiran is the signature red from Gascony, South West France and home of the Tannat grape. Vineyards have been planted here since Gallo Roman times, and were much enjoyed in the middle ages by the pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela.
Influenced by the Atlantic and sitting on mostly limestone and clay soils, wines were traditionally powerful, dense and very tannic.
A small amount of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon or Fer can be added as blending partners. There has been a quiet revolution in Madiran with many vignerons experimenting in making wines softer and more approachable in their youth, with some fantastic results.
The classic partnership is with magret de canard, however the local pork (Porc Noir de Bigorre) is the oldest breed of pig in France and is a fantastic companion alongside a glass of Madiran.