The South West region of France is an important wine zone, encompassing the administrative regions of Aquitaine, Limousin and Midi-Pyrénées, but excluding Bordeaux. It has a long and varied history, from its days as a British trading partner to its current struggle to gain recognition for its diverse wines. South West France has a long and storied history of winemaking. The region has been producing wine since the Roman era, and it has been an important part of the local culture ever since. In the Middle Ages, the region was known for its fortified wines, and it was a major producer of sweet wines during the Renaissance. Today, South West France is one of the most important wine regions in the world.
South West France is home to a wide range of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The region is also known for its fortified wines, such as Armagnac and Madiran. The wines of South West France are known for their complexity and depth of flavor, and they are often aged for long periods of time.
South West France is home to some of the world's most famous wine producers. Château de Fieuzal, Château de Laubade, and Château de La Tour are just a few of the region's renowned producers. These producers are known for their high-quality wines, and they are highly sought after by wine lovers around the world.
The South West region was nominally British for a period following the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry II of Britain.