Buzet is a quintessential red wine appellation of the South West of France, located just to the south-east of Bordeaux. It also produces some rose and white wines, although these are less well known.
Buzet’s red wines are made very much in the style of red Bordeaux, from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Only a small number of producers are involved – notably the Vignerons de Buzet co-operative, which is responsible for the majority of these wines. The co-operative has been making its own barriques for more than 60 years, enabling it to provide the wines with the high-quality oak maturation normally associated with the more expensive wines of Bordeaux. The use of Merlot to produce softer, more approachable wine is increasing as modern consumers demand supple, younger-drinking examples.
The white wines made under the AOC Buzet appellation are produced from Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle, and are generally crisp in style, while the roses – most often made from Cabernet Franc – are dry but fruity and gently perfumed.
The climate in Buzet is not dissimilar to that of Bergerac, immediately to the north. Its location close to the Atlantic Ocean means that the climate is maritime, developing an increasingly continental feel as it heads inland towards the south-east. The soils are divided into three different types, each well matched to a particular grape variety and wine style. The lighter clay and gravel terraces that were once the riverbed of the nearby Garonne river are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, while Merlot thrives in the limestone and clay soils spread across the region. Finally, the ‘boulbenes’ (sandier areas with rounded pebbles and a clay substratum) provide Cabernet Franc with a friendly home.
While Buzet wines have yet to enjoy as much attention as their Bordeaux counterparts, many reach a very high standard while costing less than Bordeaux wines of equivalent quality.
