hroughout the 3,000 acres of the appellation, Tannat is the leading grape variety. It gives wines which are harsh and deeply coloured in youth, with aromas of fresh raspberries, and only truly express themselves after a long period of bottle-ageing. Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc and Fer-Servadou (locally known as Pinenc) are also planted.

Traditional Madiran wines, with a high proportion of Tannat, respond well to oak-ageing and need to be laid down for a few years. Mature Madiran wines are sensual, rich and well-structured, with smoky aromas and marry well with game dishes and the sheeps’ cheese from higher up the valley. Drunk young, and they are best served with goose confit and duck breast served rare.